Despite our game against Dundee being postponed this weekend, we are proudly continuing to support Show Racism the Red Card’s Match Actions Campaign. Show Racism the Red Card is the UK’s leading anti-racism Education Charity, working within schools, workplaces, sports, and community organisations to educate children, young people, and adults on challenging prejudice and stereotypes. Using the power of football is a powerful tool to initiate conversations about anti-racism and our club has supported their messages of tolerance and inclusion for many years. Now more than ever, the importance of active anti-racism cannot be overstated.

Across Scottish football, clubs will show their commitment to anti-racism over one weekend – Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd October. This weekend also coincides with Show Racism the Red Card’s UK-wide annual fundraising drive, Wear Red Day, taking place on Friday 20th. On this day, individuals and groups up and down the country are encouraged to wear red and donate to show their support for the campaign and its message.

The Match Actions weekend also takes place during Black History Month and as part of the celebrations, SRtRC are partnering with the National Library of Scotland. On the 26th October at Glasgow’s Kelvinhall, there will be a film screening and discussion about Andrew Watson, Scotland and the world’s first black international footballer.

Billy Singh, from Show Racism the Red Card had this to say; “We are delighted with the support for anti-racism that exists within Scottish football and are very proud of our upcoming match actions. However the work must continue. We call on our supporters to continue to challenge racism. It is a shared responsibility across the game, from dressing rooms to boardrooms, and from stadiums to social media, to ensure that an anti-racism ethos is maintained throughout the year. And please remember that all our teams are made up of different nationalities from all over the world. Migrants make a positive contribution to Scotland and that’s something we should celebrate.”

Here at Aberdeen we recognize the importance of being alert to the inequalities that persist due to racism. A recent SRtRC survey revealed 46% of staff are aware of racist bullying or discrimination in Scottish schools, while 66.4% are aware of pupils expressing misconceptions, stereotypes, or negative attitudes that are racist.

Our captain Graeme Shinnie added: “Everyone at Aberdeen FC supports the work of Show Racism the Red Card. We have a dressing room full of different nationalities and as a football club we have a responsibility to stand up to racism across society.”

Football is a sport that is loved across the world and football matches should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, of all backgrounds. Education is the key and in the 27 years the Show Racism the Red Card has been running, they have educated over 1 Million participants, reaching that significant milestone in March 2023. Aberdeen are proud to support them to reach their next big milestone and to ensure Scotland is equipped with the tools to challenge and eradicate racism from football and society.

For useful resources and information from Show Racism the Red Card, please visit their website, explore their anti-racism video platform and follow them on social media.

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