News in 2006

28th October 2006

Magpies Back Anti-Racism Scheme

NEWCASTLE United will take part in football's national anti-racism week of action this week by joining the largest series of anti- racist activities ever staged in European football, by holding an anti-racism day of action at St. James' Park.

The match against Charlton on October 28 will be the designated anti- racism game and will feature a number of activities across the club.

The week of action, with the theme being "One Game, One Community", is now a firm fixture in the sporting and community calendar and has been co-ordinated by football's anti-racism campaign, Kick It Out, as part of the game's ongoing contribution to tackle racism.

The week commenced on October 17 and will run until October 28 with over 600 events taking place, including all 92 professional clubs and a number of conference and non- league clubs.

Newcastle United are pleased to support the week as part of its commitment to kicking racism out of football. Activities during the anti-racism week will clearly spell out the clubs position on racism.

Shola Ameobi, Newcastle United's anti-racism ambassador, was interviewed by the official club website and local newspaper discussing his views and own experiences of racism. Shola has also recorded an anti-racism message to be broadcast on Newcastle World TV.

United Chairman Freddy Shepherd is rightly proud of United's anti-racism stance and said: "Racism has no place in sport, or indeed society, and I fervently hope that the Week of Action hits home to those people who tarnish our national game through their ignorant actions.

"Players, supporters and clubs need to work together to make sure that racism is challenged at all levels of the game."

And United striker Shola Ameobi, who is an Ambassador for the campaign, added: "As an ambassador for the Show Racism the Red Card campaign, I am delighted to lend my support to the National Anti-Racism Week of Action in Football.

"The campaign does tremendous work in educating people and it's vital we keep getting the right message across."

Source: Newcastle United