A BRIEF HISTORY

1993: Set up by Lord Herman Ouseley (right) as the

‘Let’s Kick Racism

Out of Football’ campaign.

Launched by the

Commission for

Racial Equality and Professional

Footballers’ Association (PFA). 1997: Changes name to Kick It Out with funding from the FA, Premier League, Football Foundation and PFA. Ben Tegg and Piara Powar became Kick It Out’s first two members of staff. Tegg said: “We wrote to all 92 professional clubs introducing ourselves. We got five replies.” 2001: First ‘Week of Action’ for clubs to take a unified stand against discrimination.

2005: Racist incidents across Europe continue. Kick It Out highlight them and call for greater education.

2007: Then-everton defender Joleon Lescott is angry after Newcastle’s Emre Belozoglu is cleared of racially abusing Joseph Yobo. Lescott hints he may not wear a Kick It Out T-shirt in the future in protest.

2011: New film ‘The Y Word’ highlights issues of anti-semitic chanting.

2011: Jason Roberts among players refusing to wear Kick It Out shirts in protest at lack of progress on racism.

Lord Ouseley said: “He felt we didn’t do enough. I don’t shy away from criticism. It is positive if players are articulating an issue – Jason Roberts was carrying more influence than us – I tell players they underestimate their power.” 2012: Talks held with the Premier League, PFA and the FA after John Terry and Luis Suarez controversies (above).

2013: Twentieth anniversary launched with a number of key initiatives, embracing new technologies.

2018: England celebrate 25 years of Kick it Out with friendly against Switzerland.

2018: Kick It Out report reveals racism and discrimination continuing to rise.

2018: Lord Ouseley announces his intention to step down. Calls for his successor to “stick their head above the parapet”. 2019: Anniversary dinner at Stamford Bridge.