Monday 10th October, 2016 at 2:16pm
Welcome to Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Fortnight of Action. Many of you will have seen the campaign within football for many years, the SPFL and its member clubs have been supporting the campaign since it started in Scotland.
In addition to increasing the awareness of SRtRC’s work in Scotland, the Fortnight of Action from 6th – 20th October shows commitment at the highest level of Scottish football to eradicate racism and discrimination of any form from our game.
We believe that it is vital to highlight the anti-racism message at this time of year as it runs alongside Football Against Racism in Europe’s (FARE) Football People Weeks.
All professional clubs will show their support over one weekend on Friday 14th October and Saturday 15th October. Clubs will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and society. Players in over 40 European Countries are involved in similar events as part of FARE network against racism and discrimination.
Show Racism the Red Card has received excellent support from football clubs, football authorities and football fans the length and breadth of Scotland – we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all. We have heard of many instances where supporters have been proactive in promoting the anti-racism message, making it clear that racism and discrimination are not welcome at their club. We urge fans to continue to support the anti-racism message; it is the responsibility of us all to ensure that it is carried out beyond the Fortnight of Action and beyond the terraces.
Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPFL said “Football is a powerful medium to break down barriers and promote tolerance. Our clubs have supported Show Racism the Red Card since season 2003/04 and once again, this united action in support of the campaign sends out the positive message that football is a game to be enjoyed by all.”
Abdul Osman, Fortnight of Action Ambassador, said: “It’s vital that football clubs in Scotland continue to take a strong stance against racism at every level. There is no place for discrimination of any kind in the beautiful game and initiatives like the Fortnight of Action are a great way to remind people of this.”
The campaign will continue to speak to all football clubs, the football authorities and the police to eradicate all forms of racist behaviour.
The SPFL and its clubs deplore all forms of racism and any racist behaviour will not be tolerated.
Over the past year Show Racism the Red Card has faced major funding difficulties but strive to continue their work. SRtRC are working with grassroots football, community groups, schools, the police and prison service to ensure that going forward Scottish society and Scottish football is fair and inclusive for all.
Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever their background. We all have a part to play in challenging racism in football and society.
Show your support for tackling racism:
Follow SRtRC on twitter @SRtRCScotland
Like them on Facebook: Facebook.com/theRedCardScotland
