Racism must be removed from football says charity

Campaigners now seeking meeting with Scottish Government

Racism in Scottish football must be tackled head on, a leading charity has claimed.

Scottish football has been shamed by a number of alleged racist incidents over the past week.

Motherwell player Christian Mbulu was racially abused when playing against Hearts at Tynecastle and the Edinburgh club has subsequently banned two fans from the ground.

A Falkirk supporter was also given a warning by police for targeting Bairns striker Dennon Lewis, although there was not enough evidence to prove racist intent.

Then, pictures purporting to show Dundee United left back Jamie Robson blacked up for a fancy dress party were shared on social media.

The Tannadice club has vowed to speak to the player about the incident. Leading anti-racist charity Show Racism the Red Card said it was confident the Terrors will deal with Robson’s alleged behaviour appropriately.

But the charity is now seeking a meeting with Scottish Government Sports Minister Joe FitzPatrick over how best to tackle racism in Scotland.

A spokeswoman said: “The use of blackface is an out-of-date practice which is rarely seen these days, demonstrating that public attitudes have long since moved on and that crude caricatures of black people should be considered unacceptable in modern-day Britain.

“The practice of blackface has always had the potential to offend, but in the past there was no societal voice for those who would have found it offensive.

“In 2018, it is the consequences of the practice rather than the intention that is relevant. What does blackface say to people, and young people particularly, about the acceptance and normality of different skin colours in society?

“Show Racism the Red Card would argue that these practices caricature and portray or glamorise differences which could lead to discrimination.

“Dundee United FC have always been really strong supporters of our campaign and we have always had the full support of the club.

“We have visited the club each year to deliver anti-racism work with young