Show Racism the Red Card - Scotland
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02nd March 2004


The Proclaimers and Paul ElliotProclaimers call for action against bigotry



The Proclaimers, former Celtic and Chelsea defender Paul Elliott MBE, youth coach for Scotland Rainer Bonhof and SPFA representative Fraser Wishart today came together to train as a five-a-side football team. They joined forces to launch a new e-postcard campaign 'Team Up Against Racism', developed jointly by Show Racism the Red Card and Amnesty International.


The campaign calls on all 42 Scottish professional football clubs to fully implement the UEFA Ten Point Plan. The Plan, developed by Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) and adopted by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), sets out ten measures that national associations and clubs should adopt as the framework for action to challenge racism.


Craig and Charlie Reid of the Proclaimers helped to launch the campaign:


"Racism in any aspect of life is a negative situation. In something as high profile as professional football, racists and bigots in Scotland and England have consistently used football as a vehicle for their poison. The issues of racism and bigotry have to be tackled head on and not swept under the carpet as a minor problem or a 'safety valve' in a changing multi-cultural society. This campaign tackles these issues in an upfront and intelligent manner. We support it wholeheartedly and wish it continued success."


Roddy McNulty of Show Racism the Red Card highlighted the importance of the UEFA Ten Point Plan in tackling the issue:


"Over the last few seasons incidents of racist abuse have occurred at Scottish football grounds - both large and small. This abuse, directed at ethnic minority players, is both completely unacceptable and illegal. Racism at and around stadiums is not only intimidating for the players themselves, but also for fellow supporters who come from ethnic minorities. The full implementation of the UEFA Ten Point Plan is vital to stamping racism out of the game."


Paul Elliott, MBE, stated:


"I have been a professional footballer for the best part of 15 years in the UK and in Europe. I've had some phenomenal experiences. However, having experienced racism in football over many years, I feel I have an obligation to current and future generations to make a positive contribution to rid society and football of racism. I fully support Amnesty International and Show Racism the Red Card in their efforts to combat racism on the pitch, in the terraces and throughout Scotland."


Rainer Bonhof said:


"The problem of racism is serious and we must keep up the pressure here in Scotland. Football can be a great way to help in getting the message to fans - both young and old. I give my full support to Amnesty International for their excellent work in these areas, and hope that the Scotland United tournament is a success both on and off the field. The 'Team Up Against Racism' e-postcard campaign is a great idea for Scottish football fans to play a part in getting rid of racism in all aspects of football.


The Scottish FA supports the campaigns to stop racism and sectarianism in Scottish football so that, eventually, all forms of these unacceptable attitudes can be eliminated from our national game. We can make a difference using football to set a good example and to raise awareness in Scotland."