20th September 2005

Ex-Pro's kick off Scottish initiative

At the launch, Whyte, a former Scotland international who is now a television pundit, said "As footballers, we're delighted to do whatever we can to give asylum seekers the welcome they deserve in Glasgow. Players such as Zinedine Zidane, Dado Prso and Rudi Vata come from asylum-seeking backgrounds and are great examples of what refugees and asylum seekers can bring to Scotland."

Recently there has been an increase in the number of racially motivated attacks in Scotland, particularly on the Muslim community. During July 2005, police in Strathclyde, home to the majority of Scotland's Muslims, reported a 27% rise in racist incidents, on Tayside the increase was 76%, while Lothian and Borders Police reported a rise of 50%.

Simon Hodgson, of the Scottish Refugee Council, said he was pleased to support the project and added, "he potential for football to break down barriers, on the field, in the changing room and on the touchline, is tremendous. We hope the resolve and commitment … in tackling racism in football will be just as effective in countering prejudice towards people seeking sanctuary in Scotland."

The project is a partnership between the group, the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association, Glasgow council, and Show Racism the Red Card.

Source: FARE website