News in 2006
27th June 2006
Holland and Belgum join FIFPro Show Racism the Red Card network
Holland and Belgium are the two latest countries to join the FIFPro SRTRC campaign against racism. Already nine other countries in Europe have campaigns similar to the ones that were started in the UK. The two low country players' unions met at the FIFPro Headquarters to discuss a strategy with anti racism leader Tony Higgins and Roddy McNulty of Show Racism the Red Card, which is sponsored by FIFPro.
Tony Higgins said “on behalf of FIFPro I am delighted that these two national players unions have decided to start their own campaigns. Player unions are crucial in the fight against racism and other forms of discrimination, it is our members who are abused and therefore players must play a major part in any solution”.
Speaking on behalf of the VVCS Louis Everard commented: ‘Racism in Dutch stadiums has not reached the same magnitude as in some other European countries. But we may not rest until it has disappeared completely and forever. That's why we gladly associate ourselves with this initiative.’
The Belgium union said: Our Belgian competition includes many players of different nationalities. FIFPro's initiative is therefore an excellant opportunity to bring the battle against racism both on and off the pitch to everyone's attention. Football indeed reaches all levels of society. That's why we are going to join hands together with the Belgian first division clubs. The first concrete steps have alrwady been taken.
Along with the success of FIFPro’s anti racism initiative in Europe other countries have started campaigns with Israel also involved in some excellent work. FIFPro have been asked to sponsor an anti racism seminar in Cape Town South Africa in September which of course is the start of the run up to the 2010 World Cup.
"These attacks weren't at football matches or at tartan army events, and for the Prime Minister to say it has something to do with the tartan army, he needs to take another good look at this."
Source: FIFPro
