PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs have launched a hard-hitting anti-racism campaign in an attempt to show the game is open to everybody.
The No Room for Racism campaign will run from Saturday until April 8.
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League bosses want the nine-day blitz, which also marks 25 years since the creation of of the Kick It Out campaign, to demonstrate the game’s commitment to equality and diversity.
All 20 Prem clubs will support both No Room for Racism and Kick It Out inside their grounds and on digital and social media platforms.
The launch will be supported by a nationwide advertising campaign involving players, managers and fans, with No Room for Racism banners paraded at grounds.
Club captains including Virgil Van Dijk, Paul Pogba, Hugo Lloris and Cesar Azpilicueta will wear armbands carrying the Kick It Out logo across the two weekends of the campaign.
The move is part of the League’s response to the wave of ugly incidents including abuse hurled at England star Raheem Sterling and the banana thrown at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang during the North London derby.
Prem bosses were among the game’s chiefs ordered to attend the summit called by Sports Minister Mims Davies last month which saw agreement that far more work was needed to promote inclusion and diversity in football.
Clubs have agreed that more work is required to ensure black, asian and other minority fans and players are supported and offered pathways into coaching, refereeing and administrative roles in the game.
Prem interim chief executive Richard Masters said: “Together with our clubs, we are proud of the diversity throughout the Premier League, in the stands, on the pitch and within our communities.
“Working with Kick It Out since 1993, great progress has been made in tackling racism through a range of initiatives and club partnerships.
“We are also aware that much more needs to be done, and the Premier League is committed to further promoting inclusion and diversity throughout our competition and beyond.
“It is evident there is still a minority of people who think discriminatory behaviour is acceptable, but the No Room for Racism campaign makes it clear that it will not be accepted by the Premier League and our clubs.
“We know how passionate football fans are, but this should never lead to any form of prejudice.
“We want everybody to be positive and respectful, create a welcoming atmosphere and show that football is everyone’s game.”
As part of the campaign, fans, players and offcials are encouraged to report any instances of racism or discrimination via the Kick It Out reporting app.
There is also a website link at www.kickitout.org.
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