Manchester United legends past and present will be at Old Trafford tomorrow (Thursday) for the premier of an educational film produced by Show Racism the Red Card and FIFPro.
‘Racism and the Beautiful Game’ is about to be launched world wide as an example for other countries to follow.
Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Bryan Robson, Andrew Cole and John Barnes are among the top players attending the event, along with Ade Akinbiyi of Burnley, Blackburn’s Jason Roberts and Morten Gamst Pedersen, Tranmere player Adnan Ahmed, and Gordon Taylor OBE, PFA CEO and honorary president of FIFPro, as well as Theo van Seggelen, Secretary General at FIFPro.
Chief Executive Gordon said: “The new educational film produced by the Show Racism the Red Card campaign is another great example of utilising the strength of footballers’ voices to educate and inspire people to come together regardless of race or religion.
“In this current climate it is more important than ever to continue our vital work in this area. I am delighted that the PFA and our members continue to campaign against racism and exclusion and applaud the excellent work undertaken by Show Racism the Red Card in this field.” Around 100 pupils from local Primary and Secondary schools have been invited to come and put their questions to the current and former professionals.
Rio and Ronaldo receive their awards from Gordon and Mick McGuire after being named in the FIFPro world team of the year. (©PAphotos)
Prior to the Q&A the young people present will watch the brand new Show Racism the Red Card film featuring some of the game’s greatest players such as Thierry Henry, Samuel Eto’o, Lilian Thuram, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba, who talk about their experiences of racism and offer advice on how to deal with, and combat, racism whenever it occurs.
The SRtRC campaign holds around 40 educational events with football clubs each season, using the high profile of professional footballers to talk to young people about racism, both in sport and society.
Ged Grebby, Show Racism the Red Card’s UK Project Coordinator, said: “Show Racism the Red Card has always used footballers as role models to educate young people, and Ryan and Rio are two of the game’s greatest ambassadors.
“It is a real honour to see so many footballing legends coming together to support this new film, and we hope that other countries can also work towards tackling racism by harnessing the power of football.”
