SFA offer support to Rangers after Slavia incident
THE Scottish FA’s equality and diversity board will put the alleged racist abuse suffered by Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara last week at the top of the agenda at on online summit involving the major players in football’s battle against discrimination today.
And the SFA yesterday revealed the Scotland national team has also agreed to ‘Stand Up and say #NoToRacism’ ahead of their opening 2022 World Cup qualifier against Austria at Hampden on Thursday night.
The move follows displays of solidarity with Kamara at games around the country this weekend – including at the
Old Firm match at Parkhead on Sunday when Celtic and Rangers stood together in silence before kick-off.
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell is among those who will take part in a meeting of the equality and diversity board (EDAB) and he confirmed the incident involving Kamara in the Europa League game against Slavia Prague game on Thursday night will be prioritised.
Maxwell revealed the SFA have been in contact with Rangers since the Finnish internationalist was targeted by opposition defender Ondrej Kumala – he claimed he was called “a f ****** monkey” – to offer their support.
“The incident involving Glen Kamara at Ibrox last week demonstrates that society and football still has a lot of work to do to eradicate racism,” said Maxwell. “Scottish football’s response shows the commitment to change and EDAB exists to be an agency for change, bringing consensus from across the game on all matters of equality and diversity.
“After witnessing the scenes last Thursday, we contacted Rangers immediately through our equality team to offer our support and guidance through a range of services and we aim to continue that dialogue with any club directly affected by these issues.
“Scottish football has helped raise awareness of the issue of racism by taking the knee throughout the season but there is an acknowledgment that more needs to be done than a gesture of support, especially in the increasing scourge of racist abuse to players via social media.
“Through our EDAB discussions we will explore ways of implementing meaningful change with players at the centre of those discussions.”
Maxwell will be joined by new EDAB board members Tony Higgins (PFA Scotland), Jordan Allison (Show Racism the Red Card), Maureen McGonigle (Scottish Women in Sport) and Sirri Topping (LEAP Sports) today.
Livingston midfielder Marvin Bartley and former Scotland internationalist Leanne Ross, who have just been appointed as SFA equality advisors and will offer the board a players’ perspective on the issues which exist in the game, will be involved in the summit.
Bartley said: “We have seen all too recently that racism still continues to be a major issue within football and further demonstrates the work that needs done to eradicate it from our game.
“I am eager to join Leanne Ross as an advisor to the Scottish FA, to provide thoughts from a player’s perspective on issues that are extremely close my heart.
“Recently we’ve witnessed every club in the country pull together and unite against racism and now it’s time for us to continue to make sure no individual is ever left to feel alone or ostracised.
“Rivalries based on the colour of shirt a player wears on a Saturday is healthy but rivalries based on their skin colour is not. Through my new role I’m really looking forward to helping the Scottish FA and EDAB in their equality and diversity aims.”
EDAB chair and SFA independent non-executive director Ana Stewart said: “Inviting members from key equality and diversity stakeholders to join EDAB, as well as gaining insight from current players such as Leanne and Marvin will be invaluable as we continue our aim to work towards equality for all.
“Our dialogue with the clubs is also vitally important and this week we look forward to discussing the ongoing issues of racism and the impact they have on footballers in many forms.”
Show Racism the Red
Card campaign manager Allison said: “Many top role models within the men’s and women’s game have voiced their calls for action, and their willingness to help educate future generations is extremely encouraging. The Scottish FA’s Equality Framework gives us a real opportunity to listen and make positive change.”
More needs to be done, especially in the increasing scourge of racist abuse to players via social media