Clubs to take part in refugee initiative

Visits: 2

Results of new Amnesty International survey to mark ‘Football Welcomes’ weekend shows 41% of fans believe there has been an increase in racism in the game over the last three years

Last Updated: 23/04/19 7:56am

Celtic's Craig Gordon (left) and Callum McGregor show their support for last year's 'Football Welcomes' initiative Celtic's Craig Gordon (left) and Callum McGregor show their support for last year's 'Football Welcomes' initiative

Celtic’s Craig Gordon (left) and Callum McGregor show their support for last year’s ‘Football Welcomes’ initiative

More than 160 football clubs across the country will take part in the third Amnesty International ‘Football Welcomes’ initiative this weekend to celebrate the contribution refugees have made to the game.

The campaign marks the anniversary of the arrival in the United Kingdom of a group of child refugees from the Spanish Civil War in 1937, six of whom went on to play professional football in England.

A record number of clubs, almost three times more than last year, have backed the scheme.

The Premier League, English Football League, FA Women’s Super League and Scottish Professional Football League Trust are all involved.

As part of the campaign, free match tickets will be distributed to refugees and people seeking asylum, as well as clubs helping to arrange player visits, stadium tours, or organising matches and tournaments for refugees in their communities.

Some clubs will have first-team players warming up in ‘Football Welcomes’ T-shirts and will also promote the initiative the match-day programmes and on websites.

Ahead of the weekend, human rights organisation Amnesty International has released new data concerning the rise of racism and xenophobia in the game, as authorities, players, clubs and supporters all unite to tackle the issues.

Amnesty International’s survey showed 41 per cent of football fans believe there has been an increase in racism. More than a third (34 per cent) felt there had also been more xenophobia in the game over the last three years.

Chelsea Women's Anita Asante supports the initiative Chelsea Women's Anita Asante supports the initiative

Chelsea Women’s Anita Asante supports the initiative

Almost a quarter (23 per cent) said they had personally witnessed an increase in racism and/or xenophobia, with one in 10 (12 per cent) revealing a personal experience of the increase.

The majority (90 per cent) of football fans agreed that clubs have a responsibility to tackle the issues, with some 92 per cent feeling football clubs should be a ‘force for good’ in their local community and praise for the work already done in the local community.

Chelsea Women defender Anita Asante, who is an Amnesty ambassador, welcomed the support for the campaign.

“It can take a lot of integrity and courage to stand up against divisive and hateful actions and rhetoric, but as football players, teams and fans it’s important we all play our part,” she said.

“Lots of people identify with football, wherever they are from and whatever their background. That’s why it’s so heartening to see the footballing community come together for a weekend of welcoming and supporting refugees.”

Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “Refugees have made a significant and lasting contribution to professional football in this country.

“We are proud to support this important initiative to celebrate the impact they have had on the game, whilst also making local refugees and people seeking asylum feel welcome at EFL matches.”

Read More Go To Source