Players' role in anti-racism drive

Football players and their clubs have crucial roles in helping spread the message that racism has no place in the game. As the pan-European Action Week Against Racism, organised by the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network, reaches its climax, UEFA is urging the top players to generate wider attention to the problem of racism in football.

In the spotlight
Dozens of leading European clubs and players – many of whom are currently in the spotlight in UEFA's club competitions – have been contributing to the FARE Action Week, which continues until Tuesday.

Often the spur
"While fans are often the spur for anti-racist action, they cannot defeat racism on their own, and not merely with banners, leaflets and fanzines," said UEFA in its recently published Guide to Good Practice, an anti-racism brochure which is being distributed across Europe.

Wider recognition
"To generate wider recognition of the problem, and greater media attention in particular, they need the support of players and the clubs they play for. Players, of course, are the heroes of the fans and their words can have a wide impact. Players can also be the victims of racism, and occasionally the perpetrators. Building support among high-profile professional players for the cause of anti-racism has been a core objective of many campaigns."

Firm opposition
Many leading players have already gone on record to express their opposition to any form of intolerance and discrimination in the game. Arsenal FC and England defender Sol Campbell, speaking to kickitout.org, the website of British football's anti-racism campaign, said that racist abuse must be reported.

Campbell comments
"If you're being bullied, to get it stopped, go to your teacher, parent or another adult you trust, and tell them what's happening. Sometimes a lot of kids are quite scared to go and tell their teacher or their parents. No one in the world should be able to able to racially abuse another human being. It's out of order. It can affect the kid for a long, long time. Maybe forever."

'Talk to someone'
Manchester United FC’s Welsh international, Ryan Giggs, told kickitout.org: "As a kid it affects your whole life, so it's not very nice when it’s happening to you. Talk to someone. Teachers, maybe parents, can help you. It can affect your school work, affect your life and make it a misery."

Henry's reply
Arsenal and France forward Thierry Henry said young players should use their skills to silence the racists. "The only thing I can say about [racism] is that sometimes some people try and put you out of the game, and the only answer to give is on the pitch," Henry told uefa.com. "I know what is in my mind. I come to play and that's all I want to do. I'm just here to play football. The only answer I can give is on the pitch."

Clubs' position
On the contribution clubs can make, UEFA said: "Clubs have an important influence over the atmosphere in their grounds and unequivocal statements condemning racism help to show that such abuse will not be tolerated."

Work with communities
Many clubs are working together with local ethnic communities in particular, and operate equal opportunities policies as far as employment is concerned. "The activities of clubs, as well as their players, can be vital for campaigns against racism," UEFA added.