News in 2006

01st February 2006

Football family unite against discrimination

Racism is an evil that must be challenged and eliminated from the game but firm, united action is needed from the entire football community to put across the message that intolerance and discrimination have no place in the sport.

Fresh impetus
Delegates at the pan-European uniteagainstracism conference in Barcelona heard a common clarion call from UEFA, senior Spanish political figures, action groups, non-governmental organisations and former professional footballers. The call was for the campaign against racists to take on fresh impetus throughout Europe, with football acting as a catalyst to change and educate minds.

'Zero tolerance'
Former Chelsea FC and Celtic FC player Paul Elliot, now an adviser to the UK Commission for Racial Equality, said: "I have been in positions [during matches] where I have seen bananas thrown at players, and heard monkey chants. We have made tremendous progress in the fight against racism, but a tremendous amount of work still needs to be done. There has to be a policy of zero tolerance towards racism, and a sense of collective responsibility among everyone involved. Football can be a wonderful vehicle to bring everyone together, and this conference is a way of laying down a solid basis to move forward."

'Fundamental problem'
Many of the speakers expressed the view that football must use its popularity as a uniting force against racism. "Racism is a fundamental problem within society," said UEFA communications and public affairs director William Gaillard. "And football can set a positive example for young people and for the future. As a fan of football, I am ashamed to see racist conduct when I watch games."

Spreading the message
Piara Powar from the Football Against Racism in Europe network called on national associations to play their part in spreading the anti-racist message throughout their respective countries, particularly those where such problems have surfaced. "Racism has victims - fans, professional players, ethnic communities are suffering - so it must be challenged. I hope people will go away from this conference with fresh ideas to work together for change."

Education
UEFA Chief Executive Lars-Christer Olsson added: "We have to get inside minds of racists, particularly the intelligent ones, to educate people and change their attitudes. Sport can help to bring about change - let's not just kick racism out of football but out of society as a whole."

Intensive work
The Spanish hosts of the conference were quick to underline that intensive work is being done in a country that is also undergoing constant social change. "Spanish people were once emigrants, but the country now receives a considerable number of immigrants," said Spanish state secretary for sport Jaime Lizavesky. "Spain is now a country with many cultures, and sport has a vital role in helping to create an inter-cultural society here."

Laporta congratulations
FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta described racism as "the most serious problem facing football today. I congratulate UEFA and its partners for their efforts in raising awareness of the issue. Football is not just a sport, but a powerful means of integrating people."

Source: UEFA