DERBY FANS JOIN FORCES
CARDIFF City and Swansea City fans are set to come together ahead of next month’s south Wales derby as part of a new anti-racisim campaign.
The initiative, which is being pushed under the banner of Rivals on the Pitch, United Against Racism, aims to give fans of both teams the chance to show their collective opposition to racism by sending in a video of themselves taking the knee or by delivering an anti-racism message.
The move comes after Swansea star Yan Dhanda called on authorities to do more to combat abuse online after he received racist private messages on his Instagram account.
Organisers are hoping to involve both clubs in the campaign, while high-profile figures like Nathan Blake and former Ninian Park announcer Ali Yassine have also shown their support.
In a statement written ahead of next month’s derby, a spokesperson for the group said: “On March 20 Swansea City football players & Cardiff City football players will once again today Take The Knee in support of Black Lives Matter.
“This is not a gesture. It is recognition that historically, and up to the present day that black lives have not been treated as being equal to white lives.
“The time for change has been too long coming but it is here. The onus is on us as footballers, fans and clubs to be part of this movement.
“Football is a vital part of the fabric of British society. We must recognise that the burden of ending racism is on us as much as it is to all other elements in society. Fans, players and clubs: rivals on the field but proud to be united against racism in our communities, all playing our part.
“If you wish to, we’d love it if you could submit a photo of yourself (maybe wearing a football shirt or scarf) taking the knee, and / or a short video of yourself expressing support for anti-racism and / or a photo by March 13 please.”
Rhodri Francis, a lifelong Swansea City fan, is one of those behind the campaign.
“We’re trying to get it viral as much as we possibly can,” he said. “We have been working with the clubs too to try and get the two clubs together on the day.
“But what we’ve been trying to do for the time being is to get as many Swansea City and Cardiff fans together and the response has been unbelievable.
“Yes, you get your one or two idiots, but the response I’ve had from Cardiff fans as a Jack has been unbelievable.
“It’s a personal thing for me because I’m a Jack and I’m a white guy. I’ve always opposed racism.
Anyone wishing to send a video of support as part of the Rivals on the Pitch, United Against Racism campaign should contact rosey@ repeatfanzine.co.uk
PLANS to regenerate a “key community” in Flintshire have been praised by a leading politician.
It follows proposals to create a master plan for Shotton being approved in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour problems in the town.
Flintshire Council has received an increasing number of concerns about crime in the area, which officials warned could hamper its prospects if they are not addressed.
Despite the issues, council leader Ian Roberts has now said he believes the town has huge potential thanks to its existing transport links.
Speaking at a virtual meeting of the local authority’s ruling Labour cabinet onTuesday, he said: “I’m very much in support of the development of the Shotton master plan, which was driven by a number of issues during the summer.
“We held a meeting with local members where we discussed those issues and a number of areas that need attention will get very immediate attention.
“Shotton is a key community which is at the physical heart of the Deeside conurbation.
“It contains one of the greatest concentrations of banks in the county and it does have transport advantages of regular bus and rail services.
“It has connections with Wrexham and Liverpool, and it has a considerable amount going for it.
“As a council, we need to ensure that we progress the work in our town centres and in our communities.”
Cabinet members highlighted a number of recent investments in the area, including the creation of the Hwb Cyfle adult day centre, the brand new £11m Plas Derwen pupil referral unit and the Tŷ Calon Community Hub.
There are also plans in the pipeline to redevelop Shotton railway station and Deeside Leisure Centre.
Cllr Roberts also welcomed the backing of North Wales Police after commending a recent increase in police presence in the town.
He said: “It’s very interesting to note that the police have been very co-operative with this venture.
“I note that recently the new inspector for Flintshire has been very active in Shotton.
“It is particularly welcome that police appear to be returning to communities.”
Senior councillors supported the creation of an action plan to improve the town centre, as well as a task force to oversee it.
The completed master plan is due to be brought back to cabinet members in July for further approval.