Supports
Show Racism The Red Card are having
a Fortnight of Action between 16 – 31 October 2009. Before kick off on
Saturday 31st October, clubs playing at every Emirates Junior Cup tie,
will be united in calling for an end to racism in football and in
society. Players in over 40 European countries are involved in similar
events as part of the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network
against racism and discrimination.
Since establishing an office in Scotland in October 2003 the anti-racist
message that Show Racism The Red Card has been promoting has received
excellent support from football clubs, football authorities and football
fans the length and breadth of Scotland, we would like to thank you for
this. This period has not been without it’s challenges, and we urge fans
to continue to support the anti-racist message. We have heard of many
instances where real supporters have turned on racist fans making it
clear that they are not welcome at their club.
In society, racism is sadly still on the rise and there has been an
increase in fascist activity. In September 2008, the Scottish Government
published a bulletin, which showed that the total number of incidents
recorded by the Police in Scotland were 4, 543. These figures provide an
indication to the amount of racism that our BAME communities are facing
every day. We firmly believe that most racist incidents go unrecorded.
Irresponsible groups and media outlets continue to encourage racism
against citizens from minority faiths, travellers, immigrants from
EU-accession countries, and refugees and asylum-seekers. Within football
racism has even been directed towards players who although born in
Scotland have elected to play for other countries. The campaign will
continue to speak to all football clubs, the football authorities and
the police to eradicate all forms of racist behaviour.
The Scottish Junior FA and its Clubs deplore all forms of racist
behaviour. Any racist behaviour will not be tolerated at Emirate
Airlines Scottish Junior Cup fixtures.
Here’s a brief outline of what’s taking place during the Fortnight of
Action this year:
• Love Music, Hate Racism concert (Classic Grand, Glasgow – 30th
October)
• Anti-racist football tournaments and projects in Glasgow, Dingwall,
Inverness and Edinburgh
• Over fifty events taking place in communities nationwide to combat
racism in our society, including events at Celtic F.C., Dundee United
F.C., Falkirk F.C., Heart of Midlothian F.C., Partick Thistle F.C., St
Johnstone F.C. and The Spartans F.C.
• Show Racism the Red Card actions at SPL, SFL, SWPL, SWFL, SJFA, SYF
Initiative matches and all Active Nation Scottish Cup matches.
• ‘Unite Against Racism’ actions at UEFA Champions League fixtures.
• Educational workshops in schools and with community groups across
Scotland.
Football is a sport that is followed by people across the world, and
football matches should be an enjoyable experience for all, whatever
their racial or religious background. We hope you enjoy the game today
and ask you to support the players’ action before kick- off. We all have
a part to play in showing racism the red card.
If you see or hear racism at any level of football, please report it to
stewards or police. Our web site
also includes updates on Fortnight of Action events and more information
on the “Show Racism the Red Card” campaign in Scotland.
