21st October 2005

Scottish football leads the way with anti-racist campaign

Show Racism the Red Card, Scotland's campaign against racism in football and society, have once again organised anti-racist action at fixtures this weekend 22nd/23rd October as part of their annual Fortnight of Action, 13-27 October.

The action, the second organised in partnership with the Bank of Scotland Premierleague and Bell's Scottish Football League, will see all 42 clubs unite with player's holding up red cards before kick-off, tannoy announcements, articles in match programmes, and many extra events at clubs around the country.

The success of the SRTRC campaign in Scotland is attested to by the fact that representatives from several European countries have recently visited Scotland to see what they can learn from the campaign.

Tony Higgins, SPFA chief and President of Fifpro's anti-racism committee, said:

"The SPFA and our members are delighted to be involved in the red card campaign. Scotland is now consideredto be one of the world leaders in anti-racism in football. Events like this will help to keep it that way."

Lex Gold, Executive Chairman of the Scottish Premier League, said:

"In life we should only discriminate on the basis of ability. I am delighted that Scottish football is sending out a strong message that racism should not be tolerated in any shape or form."

Supporters' organisations from ten clubs have organised additional action at games and in communities including SRTRC poster distributions, friendly matches and educational events. As part of the SRTRC Fortnight, Ayr United supporters launched an intensive long-term project last weekend in South Ayrshire, a partnership between 'The Honest Men Trust', Unison, T&GWU, South Ayrshire Council and Ayr United FC:

John Dalton of 'The Honest Men Trust' said:

"The days of monkey chants from the terracing seem to be gone but that doesn't mean that we in Scotland can be complacent. Racist abuse still emanates from morons at grounds throughout the country and their attitudes have to be challenged so that they can see the error of their ways. No matter our creed, our culture, or the colour of our skin, underneath we're awe Jock Tamsons' bairns."

Several black and minority ethnic sporting organisations have also organised events as part of the SRTRC Fortnight of Action grants scheme, funded as part of the 'One Scotland' campaign.

SRTRC also launched a coaching scheme this summer in partnership with Livingston FC aimed at increasing the number of Scottish black and Asian players making the breakthrough at the top level. Grassroots team Glasgow Ansar took part in Livingston FC community youth coaching sessions resulting in one outstanding talent being offered full-time coaching facilities at the club:

Haroon Ahmed said:

"I would like this to be a start for Asian footballers in Scotland - to make a path to show other people that there is a chance for Asians to make it. Hopefully we will see a Scottish Asian footballer in the coming years."

Heart of Midlothian FC, Dundee United FC and Hibernian FC have agreed to launch similar projects in the near future.

Roddy McNulty, SRTRC campaign coordinator for Scotland said:

"Problems still persist but we are making headway. The support the campaign has received from fans, footballers, clubs and BME organisations has been impressive. The 2005 Fortnight of Action provides an ideal platform to call on the Scottish football family to move things to the next stage, creating a genuinely level playing field for people of all races and religions in Scottish football."