Everton FC

EVERTON IN THE COMMUNITY

Everton FC and its foundation, Everton in the Community have been supporter of the UK’s leading anti-racism charity ‘Show Racism the Red Card‘. Now Everton FC have taken part in a Europe-wide anti-racism and discrimination campaign as well.

ANTI-RACISM WORKSHOPS

Earlier this year, Everton stars Moise Kean (currently on loan to Paris Saint-Germain) and goalie João Virgínia joined 140 primary school children from Merseyside at an educational event from Show Racism the Red Card UK. The event was hosted by Everton in the Community. During the annual workshop Kean and Virgínia reiterate to the youngsters the importance of stamping out racism in society and in football.

Delivered by anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card UK, the workshop also educated children on racism in football and how to deal with and campaign against racism, as well as promoting the importance of speaking out when experiencing racism.

Speaking after his guest appearance on the panel, goalkeeper Virginia said: “It was really good for me to see the work being done to tackle a really important issue, not just in sport, but in society. If anybody experiences racism, you cannot ignore it – it’s vital for people to not suffer in silence.”

An Everton Fans’ Forum member David Wycherley, who was initiated to the ‘No Al Razzisimo’ banner which was displayed at Goodison earlier this season, stated that “it means so much to be back here educating the next generation and to see Moise Kean and Joao Virginia actively participating in the community sums up what Everton is about.”

“Seeing young kids being educated by their heroes about a message that will positively shape the future of the next generation is so important.”

“NO AL RAZZISMO”

As mentioned, last season, Everton fans displayed a banner cementing the fans’ and the clubs support for Moise Kean. The striker had previously suffered racist abuse, and on the club designated Kick It Out day, Everton were keen to project their message of anti-discrimination. Due to the fantastic fundraising work of Everton’s supporters group – the County Road Bobblers – fans kicked off their clash against Manchester City by displaying a banner of Moise Kean’s face that read: ‘No Al Razzismo’ (No To Racism).

Speaking to Everton F.C. about the idea, Lee from the County Road Bobblers said: “it’s taken a little bit of time [to fundraise and create the banner] but to see it out there today was brilliant.” When asked about whether they were surprised that the banner generated so much support and interest, Lee’s fellow supporters group member, David, added: “the Everton fans never surprise me. When it comes to inclusion and diversity, these things just fly with Everton. It’s a credit to the club and it’s a credit to the fans as well.”

“He [Kean] is a young lad coming to a new country and he’s joined the People’s Club – it’s the best place for him to come… I think the message was clear to him today: we’re going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you, against any issues, including racism.” 

The game marked Everton’s annual Kick It Out event – a day where the club works with the organisation to combat discrimination and promote equality. Keeley Baptista is Head of Partnerships at Kick It Out, and was delighted by the Everton fans’ display of support.

“I think it’s fantastic that fans have started to take their own initiative,” she said. “They’re not doing this for Kick it Out, they’re not doing this for Everton Football Club, they’re doing this for themselves because they want to show support to Moise Kean and the rest of the Everton players, and show the wider football community that racism won’t be tolerated.”

The banner didn’t go unnoticed by Kean, either, who took to social media after the match to personally thank Everton fans for their support.

You can read the original article here.