Show Racism The Red Card Fortnight of Action

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 6^th – 20^th 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 14^th October and Saturday 15^th 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." Dundee United Club Captain Seán Dillon – who was inducted into the Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame in 2013 – said: "Football can, and should be, a blueprint for a better society in that it brings people of different cultures, colours, and beliefs together on the field of play as equals. This idea strikes me as even more relevant in the wake of this summer’s Brexit vote which appears to give legitimacy to a new wave of racism and xenophobia in our society. On behalf of my team mates and the Club, I appeal to you to embrace the spirit of this campaign and show racism the red card.” 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 at SPFL. Over the past year Show Racism the Red Card has faced major funding difficulties but we strive to continue our work. We 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 us on twitter @SRtRCScotland Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/theRedCardScotland www.theredcardscotland.org