Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE)

 Sir ALEX FERGUSON ON RACISM

You’re known as a great motivator. How do you motivate young black players to overcome racism?
All people will come up against barriers in life. The first thing you think is “I don’t deserve this.” But you have to be determined to overcome it. You’ve got to have a sort of blinkered approach to it, and think, “This is not going to stop me”.

The situation today is better than it was 20 years ago, and 20 years ago it was better than 30 year ago. So progress eventually eliminates a lot of what is going on.

But when the prejudice stops people getting a job, puts them out of a job, or stops them getting a place on the team because of their colour, that is real racism to me.

When reacted to racist abuse at Crystal Palace a few years ago he was suddenly a hero to lots of people. Do you think it’s important for players to take a stand?
It’s a great thing to take a stand against racism. At first I thought Eric would have to leave because of that incident but you can’t just condemn a man because he lost his temper, no matter how bad it looks to the media.

What you’ve got to measure is what it was like in the past. Viv Anderson was the first black player to be capped for England. That was a big step.

And I remember when John Barnes went to Goodison Park, and they threw bananas at him, I never understood that.

Football is obviously a source of good for bringing people together, and dealing with things like racism. Why is it so powerful?
Football is the best vehicle to handle most ills in the world, simply because it’s the most participatory sport in the world, and it’s the most keenly watched sport in the world.

It creates a fervour among fans, and people’s identities are interwoven into a club, from their grandfather to their father. It can be the most dominant part of people’s lives, the whole strength of their life can be in the football ground.

To young kids, footballers are heroes, and if heroes are saying ,“racism, I’m not into that, I respect everyone”, it has an effect. Football is the strongest vehicle in the world. 

If you had the power to change things what would you want to change?
I think it’s all down to education and how people are brought up. I was brought up in a family where there was never any prejudice. I think education from the family and school are the most important things.

If parents are saying to their kids “Don’t play with that Charlie down the road because he is black,” what message does that give? I think education is the secret.

Could you see a black coach taking over the manager’s role at Old Trafford?
I can see black people involved in all positions. I have no doubt about that. You can’t beat quality or progress.

Let’s be honest it’s not a bad world we’re living in but we can make it better with education. It transcends everything. 

Schools and football unite against racism
Once again Hampden Stadium was the proud host for the Show Racism The Red Card/Educational Institute of Scotland anti-racist schools competition prizegiving event.

The magnificent display of poetry, posters and films covering the large reception hall demonstrated the hard work, imagination and determination of pupils to stamp racism out of football and society.

12% of Scottish schools participated in the competition this year, and the quality of the submissions and winners work was reflected in the prizes, with all 12 SPL clubs and Morton FC providing signed footballs, signed shirts, VIP days and match tickets.

In attendance were players David McNammee (Livingston) , Jim McIntyre (Dundee United), Gordon Greer (Kilmarnock), Chris Burke (Rangers), Mark Wilson (Celtic), Phil O'Donnell (Motherwell), Andy McLaren and David McGurn (Morton) and Gerry Britton (Brechin). Scotland manager Walter Smith also came along to view the winners artworks and to show his support for the anti-racist campaign.

The day kicked off with a wild dash around the reception hall to gather the free football goodies and snacks that were provided. All the young people, and their teachers received a Red Card goody bag with magazines and posters before heading off on a tour of Hampden.

BBC Scotland's Dougie Vipond compered the prize giving with Pee Tee and Nuts, the mascots from Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock, whipping the crowd into a frenzy as the winners received their prizes from the SPL players. The prizewinning films were screened and the young poets read their first-rate poetry to an appreciative audience.

After the formalities were over it was photo time in the main stand and the chance to meet the players and mascots.

Billy Singh, Show Racism the Red Card Scotland's Coordinator said,
"Once again Scotland's young people are showing the way in tackling racism. Especially in the current political climate, it is essential that young people are able to combat racist stereotypes and attitudes from the earliest age.

The competition encourages schoolchildren to challenge racism in an intelligent way - the SRTRC Scotland video and education pack covers issues ranging from asylum, racism in grassroots football, to racist bullying in schools.

You can see by the high standard of artwork on show the strength of feeling Scotland's young people have on these issues".

FIFE COACHING ACADEMY was instrumental in delivering the message at the St Andrews International Football Festival in August 2007. Our under 15 team played against professional clubs, Hibs, Raith Rovers, Motherwell, Barnsley & Harlestown from Norwich. Before each match both teams were photographed in front of the

"Show Racism the Red Card Banner"

and all the details can be found on the club page. FCA Fully supports this project and will promote harmony where ever possible through sport.

 

The UEFA 10 point plan against racism

1. Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism, spelling out the action it will take against those engaged in racist chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently around the ground.
   
2. Make public address announcements condemning racist chanting at matches.
   
3. Make it a condition for season-ticket holders that they do not take part in racist abuse.
   
4. Take action to prevent the sale of racist literature inside and around the ground.
   
5. Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racial abuse.
   
6. Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the club’s policy on racism.
   
7. Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist abuse.
   
8. Remove all racist graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency.
   
9. Adopt an equal opportunities' policy in relation to employment and service provision.
   
10. Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the players union, supporters, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police, to develop pro-active programmes and make progress to raise awareness of campaigning to eliminate racial abuse and discrimination.