Watford FC has adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism.

The club announced the move after it achieved the Premier League Equality Standard, Advanced Level, and hopes adopting the definition will “increase the understanding” of antisemitism at the club and wider football community.

The IHRA definition states that “antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews”.

It adds: “Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Sam Gillings, Watford FC’s HR & Equality Lead Officer, said: “Through the adoption of this definition, we aim to increase the understanding of antisemitism within our supporters, staff, and the wider football family.

“It will also become an additional key element within our educational process moving forward, should we receive reports of antisemitism, specifically around acceptable language and behaviour.”