11th October 2005

THE HONEST MEN TRUST

Trust Announce Plans For Anti-Racism Day

Thursday 13th October is the launch day of the Fortnight of Action against racism organised by the football based anti-racism charity, Show Racism the Red Card.

And on Saturday 15th October, The Honest Men Trust, in conjunction with Unison, South Ayrshire Council, Ayr United and the T&G are supporting the campaign by staging their own Day of Action at Somerset Park prior to the match against Alloa.

Two new advertising boards will be on display at Somerset Park for the first time promoting an anti-racism message. The mascot for the day will be the winner of a local anti-racism competition organised by The Honest Men Trust and Unison, while the public sector union will also be match sponsors for the day, promoting an anti-racism message. Meanwhile both sides will be wearing Show Racism the Red Card T- Shirts during their warm up as well as showing their support for the campaign by holding up cards promoting the campaign. T-shirts will also be handed out to younger kids.

Show Racism the Red Card is a charity that tackles the issues of racism in football and wider society by using the profile of football and footballers to spread the message. Although racism in football may not be as prominent as it once was, it still exists. Indeed following complaints of racist abuse being shouted by an alleged supporter last season, The Honest Men Trust and Ayr United agreed a charter against racism that is displayed on the clubs website at http://www.ayrunitedfc.co.uk

However as recently as the CIS Cup clash against Hibs, the Trust received a complaint after the game from a supporter complaining of racist abuse towards Hibs players being shouted throughout the match - so it is still clearly a problem in the game and in society in general - AND IT IS A CRIME.

The Trust/Club policy states that "anyone found to participate in such chanting will be ejected from the ground by stewards and police and BANNED from Somerset Park".

This will be the first in a series of events, supporting the Show Racism the Red Card Campaign locally.

Please give this campaign your backing.

The Honest Men Trust