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19th October 2007

The Scottish Women's Premier League Show Racism the Red Card

Welcome to Show Racism The Red Card’s Fortnight of Action, 16 – 30 October 2007. Before kick off this weekend, all clubs playing in the SWPL fixtures will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and in society. Players in 35 European countries are involved in similar events as part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network against racism and discrimination. On the 27th and 28th of October, clubs playing at every Clydesdale Bank Premier League, Irn Bru Football League and Scottish Cup ties will be joining the campaign to demonstrate their support.

Show Racism the Red Card would like to thank you for the excellent support the campaign has had since we set up office in Scotland four years ago. That support is producing real results including a significant decrease in the number of incidents of racial abuse reported at Scottish football stadia over the last year. We have heard of many instances where real supporters have turned on racist fans making it clear that they are not welcome at their club. Various Supporters Trusts have also been instrumental in spreading our anti racism message throughout the game. In society, racism is sadly on the increase. Scottish Government statistics indicate that there are on average 14 recorded racist incidents a day. The Commission for Racial Equality estimate the true number to be five times this figure. We must all work together to ensure that the mindless minority who engage in racist practices, realise their behaviour is not acceptable in football or in society.

With the unacceptable behaviour sanctions introduced earlier this year by the SFA and the SPL, it is vital for a club that the behaviour of its players, officials and supporters does not bring it into disrepute with these new guidelines. Clubs can be penalised not only financially but could also face league points being deducted if incidences of racist behaviour are found to be taking place in the ground.

This year we have developed partnerships with a number of local authorities to deliver educational workshops combined with football coaching sessions in a number of regions. The workshops are delivered by professional footballers and are a very positive method of educating our young people about the negative impact racism has on Scottish society.

Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world, and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their racial or religious background. We hope you enjoy the game today and ask you to support the players' action before kick- off. We all have a part to play in showing racism the red card.

If you see or hear racism at any level of football, please report it to stewards or police, and record the complaint at www.theredcardscotland.org. Our web site also includes updates on Fortnight of Action events and more information on the "Red Card" campaign in Scotland.

Source: SWPL