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Date: 19 October 2007 On behalf of 'Show Racism The Red Card' and all enquiries to them please.

FOOTBALL LEADERS LAUNCH FORTNIGHT OF ACTION

Leading figures from Scottish Football today (Friday) launched Show Racism the Red Card's Fortnight of Action. The initiative which runs until the end of October encourages participation from all sections of Scotland's communities to celebrate diversity and tackle racism.

Gordon Smith, chief executive of the Scottish Football Association, joined other football officials and politicians and trades unions for the launch of the Fortnight of Action at Fir Park, Motherwell.

He said: "The campaign goes from strength to strength and is now at the forefront of tackling racism not only in football but society in general. I call upon everyone to get involved during the fortnight and beyond to send out a clear message to the people of Scotland that we want to live in a country free from racism."

Billy Singh, campaign co-ordinator of Show Racism the Red Card, added: "Show Racism the Red Card is once again calling upon people from all sections of the community to take a united stand against racism. Statistics show a year on year increase in reported racist incidents. 80% of incidents go unreported. We must take a stance together to fight this scourge that affects our society. Ignoring racism is accepting racism."

The initiative received widespread backing today from MPs, MSPs, footballing authorities and trades unions. Thanks to the support of The Scottish Government over £30000 of grants have been distributed to community groups and grass roots organisations.

Over 50 events will be taking place all over Scotland from the Shetland Isles in the North to Dumfries and Galloway in the South during the Fortnight of Action. All SPL, SFL and Scottish Cup 2nd round matches on the weekend of 27th October will be carrying out a 'red card' action prior to kick off and for the first time The Highland League and the Scottish Women's Premier League will also be involved.

Motherwell FC and Stirling Albion FC will be unveiling Show Racism the Red Card stadium billboards. The response of Motherwell FC since the Jason Scotland incident in February 2007 acts as a benchmark for how other clubs should react if they encounter racism within their grounds.

Outwith the Fortnight of Action Show Racism the Red Card continues to spread the anti-racist message. Over 120 educational workshops reaching 3600 young people will be delivered to four local authority areas in the coming months.

A new Scottish educational DVD is being produced and resources are being developed to tackle Islamaphobia.

ENDS

Contact: Billy Singh Campaign Coordinator t: 07957 681417 e: campaign@theredcardscotland.org www.theredcardscotland.org

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