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19th October 2007

Football leaders launch fornight of action

Leading figures from Scottish Football today (Friday 19/10/07) launched Show Racism the Red Card's Fortnight of Action.

The initiative which runs until the end of October encourages participation from all sections of Scotland's communities to celebrate diversity and tackle racism.

Gordon Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, joined other football officials and politicians and trades unions for the launch of the Fortnight of Action at Fir Park, Motherwell.

He said: "The campaign goes from strength to strength and is now at the forefront of tackling racism not only in football but society in general. I call upon everyone to get involved during the fortnight and beyond to send out a clear message to the people of Scotland that we want to live in a country free from racism."

Billy Singh, campaign co-ordinator of Show Racism the Red Card, added: "Show Racism the Red Card is once again calling upon people from all sections of the community to take a united stand against racism. Statistics show a year on year increase in reported racist incidents. 80% of incidents go unreported. We must take a stance together to fight this scourge that affects our society. Ignoring racism is accepting racism."

The initiative received widespread backing today from MPs, MSPs, footballing authorities and trades unions.

Thanks to the support of The Scottish Government over £30000 of grants have been distributed to community groups and grass roots organisations. Over 50 events will be taking place all over Scotland from the Shetland Isles in the North to Dumfries and Galloway in the South during the Fortnight of Action.

Bashir Ahmad, SNP MSP, tabled a motion at the Scottish Parliament supporting the Fortnight of Action.Speaking at the launch Mr Ahmad said "I am delighted to be helping launch Show Racism the Red Card's Fortnight of Action. I must congratulate SRTRC for getting their message out so effectively to today's youngsters as educating our youth is the way to a more tolerant society in the future. It is heartwarmiong to see so many players and officials join together and send out a united message that racism of any kind will not tolerated on or off the pitch."

The Labour MSP Bill Butler has been a strong supporter of the campaign since it launched in Scotland in 2003 said "Show Racism the Red Card's annual Fortnight of Action has grown in significance over the last 4 years. Working with ethnic minority groups, community organisations, Scottish football clubs, supporters, schools, young people and trade unions, Show Racism the Red Card is at the forefront of the campaign to drive racism from Scottish society. I support unreservedly its work in challenging racism in all its forms."

All SPL, SFL and Scottish Cup 2nd round matches on the weekend of 27th October will be carrying out a 'red card' action prior to kick off and for the first time The Highland League and the Scottish Women's Premier League will also be involved. Julie Frame, League Administrator with the SWPL said "In view of the increasing interest and participation in women's football in Scotland, we are keen to promote equality and fairness in the development of the sport, and as such are fully supportive of the ethos promoted by Show Racism the Red Card".

Lex Gold, SPL Executive Chairman said "This season, we have introduced new rules relating to unacceptable conduct which cover any form of racist conduct at our matches. This is part of a broader campaign. The rules have been designed to support the excellent work underway at our clubs with Show Racism the Red Card being at the very heart of those efforts."

David Longmuir, Chief Executive of the Scottish Football League said "The Scottish Football League is the heart and soul of Scottish Football. We welcome, and benefit from, cultural diversity throughout our game and within our football communities, and we whole-heartedly support the S.R.T.R.C. initiative"

Motherwell FC and Stirling Albion FC will be unveiling Show Racism the Red Card stadium billboards. The response of Motherwell FC since the Jason Scotland incident in February 2007 acts as a benchmark for how other clubs should react if they encounter racism within their grounds.

Kevin O'Neil, Unison's Information Development Officer said "UNISON is at the forefront of campaigning against racism in Scotland. UNISON members care for the whole community - we won't allow racists to wreck Scotland's economic and cultural future. UNISON helped establish Show Racism the Red Card back in 1996 and we are proud to see the charity go from strength to strength. It is vital that we continue to promote an anti-racist message throughout the sport, in our schools and in day to day life. We live in a multi-cultural society and nowhere is that better reflected than in the world of football. The work that Show Racism the Red Card carries out is instrumental in changing behaviour and building the framework for a more inclusive and tolerant society. That is why we are proud to support the Fortnight of Action."

Outwith the Fortnight of Action Show Racism the Red Card continues to spread the anti-racist message. Over 120 educational workshops reaching 3600 young people will be delivered to four local authority areas in the coming months. A new Scottish educational DVD is being produced and resources are being developed to tackle Islamaphobia.

Source: Show Racism the Red Card