Stories making the News

19th October 2006

Perth & Kinross Unison, St Johnstone FC and Perth Muslim Community

Perth and Kinross Branch of Unison, Perth Muslim Community and St Johnstone FC join their energies to stage a joint event, to Show Racism the Red Card, at McDairmid Park today.

The joint event was part of Show Racism the Red Card fortnight of action tackling racism and exclusion through football.

Wilma Armstrong Secretary Perth and Kinross branch of UNISON said: “We are committed to eradicate racism and all kinds of discrimination in all forms and at all levels. UNISON fully supports Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

“It is our pride and privilege to jointly stage the event, and we are committed to promote equality, social inclusion, and good relations among our diverse communities", she added.

Farooq Hussain representing Perth Muslim community expressed similar feelings, and said: “The event coincides with the final week of Holy month of Ramadhan – the month of fasting and peace. The fasting generates the ability to share the spirit of love for all mankind, by ensuring peace and harmony with people around us.

“The event matches the spirit of Ramadhan and we are more than happy to be part of it. We are here to express our commitment to ensure peace and better community relations with other communities in Perthshire, by Showing Racism the Red Card", he concluded.

On behalf of his trade union UNISON and the Local Muslim community, Hamid Rasheed the key organiser of the event thanked the management of St Johnstone FC in providing excellent support and facilities to stage the event. He praised Mr Stewart Duff of St Johnstone’s whole hearted support; without Mr Duff’s help it would have been impossible to stage the event within such tight schedule, he acknowledged.

One of the key features of the event was that Muslim community brought “Aftari" the food specially prepared to end long day of fasting, for young footballers. Those attended the event enjoyed the food and learnt more about the significance of Muslim way of life and month of fasting, to ensure peace and harmony in our multi-cultural society.

The joint event was first of its kind; both Perth and Kinross Branch of Unison and Perth Muslim community expressed willingness to stage the event next year at a bigger scale.

Source: Perth & Kinross Unison