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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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