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LANGUAGE GUIDE: Liverpool's staff will have to think carefully before they speak (PA)

LIVERPOOL HAVE handed its staff a book of guidelines about unacceptable language in a bid to help eradicate verbal abuse from fans.

The guide outlines phrases which are “offensive” such as “play like a girl” and “that’s gay,” as the Merseyside club attempts to stamp out any smears against race, religion, sexual orientation, gender and disability.

Social inclusion officer Rishi Jain said the club had been "actively engaged in an education and awareness programme".

He said: "This programme includes interactive workshops and a handbook which is designed to provide information on the latest equality legislation including what terminology is deemed acceptable and unacceptable."

He added it would help staff "take the necessary steps to ensure Anfield is free from all forms of discrimination".

Liverpool were in the headlines last season after star striker Luis Suarez racially abused Manchester United’s Patrice Evra during an heated North West derby.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chair of anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, backed the guide as step forward from Liverpool to tackle discrimination.

"Match day stewards must be trained on dealing with incidents of discrimination and unacceptable behaviour in order to eradicate it from our stadiums,” Lord Ouseley said.