Over 50 EFL clubs, campaigning organisations and media personalities have come together for a racism and anti-discrimination conference at Millwall’s The Den.
Monday’s ‘Our Biggest Match’, working in partnership with Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card, Fans for Diversity, the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) and EFL, allowed clubs across the country to openly discuss the modern-day challenges they face and how best to move forward.
Opening the event, Millwall CEO Steve Kavanagh spoke about the issues the club faced after footage emerged on social media of racist chanting during the club’s 3-2 FA Cup Fourth Round win over Everton last season.
Former Watford and England player Luther Blissett was also on hand to share his experiences of being a black player in the 1970/80s in both England and Italy and urged more to be done in today’s game.
There were also discussions on best practice, dealing with Hate Crime as well as problems faced by social media and the lack of support these platforms currently provide.
Show Racism the Red Card explained the educational opportunities available while representatives from Fans for Diversity and the FSA presented an impassioned presentation on how the power of sport, particularly football, can help change society.
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New Kick It Out Chair Sanjay Bhandari outlined his vision for the organisation moving forward while media representatives were grilled on what their place in the ‘Football Family’ was and how communications between all parties could be improved.
Proactive, positive, forward-thinking and empowering throughout it is hoped ‘Our Biggest Match’ will be the first of many in order to enhance the collective drive in removing the scourge of racism and discrimination from every level of the game.
Visit the Kick It Out website for more information on what the organisations does.
Visit the Show Racism the Red Card website for more information on what the organisations does.
Visit the Football Supporters’ Federation website for more information on the ‘Fans For Diversity’ initiative.
Visit the Football Supporters’ Association website for more information on what the organisations does.