South Shields, Hebburn Town and Jarrow football clubs unite in support of Show Racism the Red Card

South Shields, Hebburn Town and Jarrow football clubs united to help spread anti-racist messages as part of Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Wear Red Day campaign.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) is the UK’s leading anti-racism education charity which uses the high-profile status of football and football players to help tackle prejudice and racial discrimination in society.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “Show Racism the Red Card is about sending a very simple and striking message that racism will not be tolerated and it’s important for communities to take a stand against this prejudice.

“Many young people look up to footballers as role models and it is this influence that makes the Show Racism the Red Card campaign so effective.”

The clubs united at the Green Energy Sports Centre, home ground to Hebburn Town FC. The club won the FA Vase at Wembley earlier this year.

For Hebburn Town Juniors’ Under 13’s coach, Behnam Khazaeli, the Show Racism the Red Card initiative is close to his heart.

He said: “Unfortunately, my son has suffered racial abuse in the last two seasons, and I experienced it as a young child as well. SRtRC is an important programme for educating not only children but adults around why racism should have no place in society.

Hebburn FC Director of Football, Stephen Rutherford added: “It is a fantastic initiative which really focuses on diversity. As a club that has a playing squad and a coaching squad of multinationals of all different faiths, religions and genders, it’s great we can support this. We hope everyone else gets behind it too.”

Dave Bell, Joint Manager at Jarrow FC, said: “It’s a privilege to be involved. There is no place for racism in society, or in the football game, and it’s great to get together with other local clubs and show our support.”

Jamie Williams, SSFC Director of Development and Partnerships, added: “We are proud to stand with Hebburn and Jarrow football clubs as one to fight against racism. Racism has no place in our society and certainly no place in South Tyneside. Join us to make change happen.”

Once again, South Shields Town Hall will be lit up red on Wear Red Day, October 22, and elected members and council staff are being encouraged to wear red.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “We have an extremely successful partnership with Show Racism the Red Card which does a great deal of work in the Borough, exploring and challenging negative attitudes and promoting positive attitudes which helps us to celebrate our cultural diversity."

Sue Schofield, the charity’s Education Team Manager, said: “We are really excited about the ongoing partnership work with South Tyneside Council and all the support we get from everyone across the community.”

For further information about the work of Show Racism the Red Card visit www.theredcard.org

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