SHOW RACISM THE RED CARD

SRTRC would like to thank you for the excellent support the campaign has had since we set up office in Scotland three years ago. That support is producing real results including a significant decrease in the number of incidents of racial abuse reported at Scottish football stadia over the last year. 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. Various Supporters Trusts have also been instrumental in spreading our anti racism message throughout the game. We must all work together to ensure that the mindless minority who engage in racist practices, realise their behaviour is not acceptable in football or in society.

With the anti racism sanctions introduced earlier this year by UEFA, it is vital for a club that the behaviour of its players, officials and supporters does not bring it into disrepute with these new guidelines. Clubs can be penalised not only financially but could also face League points being deducted or being prevented from taking part in Cup competitions, if incidences of racist behaviour are found to be taking place in the ground or within its surrounding area.

This year has seen the expansion of our "Coaching with a Conscience" scheme, whereby schoolchildren around the country take part in anti racism workshops delivered by former professional players. These workshops have been well received by teachers and pupils alike, and have been instrumental in altering attitudes of children who had displayed a racist outlook prior to their involvement in the workshop.

Here's a brief outline of what's taking place during the SRTRC Fortnight of Action this year:

• Anti-racist presentations at Dundee United F.C. and St. Johnstone F.C.

• Over fifty events taking place in communities nationwide attempting to combat racism in our society (funded by "One Scotland", the Scottish Executive), including events at Albion Rovers F.C., Queens Park F.C. and Ayr United F.C.

• "Show Racism the Red Card" squad posters being distributed at various grounds around the country.

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 kicking racism out of Scotland.
Gerry Britton, Education Co-ordinator, Show Racism the Red Card (Scotland).

If you see or hear racism at any level of football, please report it to stewards or police, and record the complaint at www.theredcardscotland.org. Our website also includes updates on Fortnight of Action events and more information on the "red card" campaign in Scotland.