By Tom Degun in London
November 4 – Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC), the organisation dedicated to promoting anti-racist behaviour in both sport and society, have held a reception at London’s City Hall in order to mark the launch of their first office for London and the South East of England.
The new office, which will be based in Bedford, will allow the organisation to increase their work with young people in the region and the reception at City Hall provided the opportunity for SRtRC to showcase the much work that goes on in the campaign which largely involves the ambassadors, often high-profile footballers, going into schools to educate young people about the harmfulness of racist behaviour.
The event was attended by a host of former professional and current footballers – who are heavily involved in work for the organisation – including Dave Bassett, Luther Blissett, Bobby Barnes, Leroy Rosenior, Paul Canoville, Paul Mortimer and Efe Sodje.
The event saw Zesh Rehman and Frank Clark inducted into the Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame for the support that they have provided to the charity where they joined some true modern footballing greats such as Gary Lineker, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry and Rio Ferdinand.
Also in attendance at City Hall was Ged Grebby: the chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card and Murad Qureshi, a member of the London Assmebly,.
Bassett, the former Wimbledon and Leeds manager, told insideworldfootball: “I’ve been with this organisation for longer than I can remember and it continues to do a fantastic job of getting a very important message out there to young people which is absolutely crucial.”
Blissett, the first black player ever to score a hat-trick for England, said: “Show Racism the Red Card is so important because it educates the right message to young people so that regardless of race, religion or colour, people from all different background can all get along together.”
Clark, a former European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when you look at some of the names in their already.
“I will continue to work hard for this organisation and whenever they need me, I will always be on the other end of a telephone.”
Grebby spoke of his delight of having a new office for London and the South East that would allow SRtRC to continue to spread the message.
He said: “I am delighted that we have this opportunity to increase our work with young people in the region.
“Luther Blissett, Leroy Rosenior and Paul Mortimer will be visiting schools with us to deliver anti-racism workshops alongside fun football fitness sessions.
“They are all great role models for young people and their support is really powerful in increasing the young people’s enthusiasm and engagement with the issue.”
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