Boro supporters' group stage anti-racism protest

Monday 16 Dec 2013
Back to news >

Middlesbrough fans held an anti-racism protest march prior to their ‘Season of Action’ game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (14 December).

The protest came after the Police began investigating claims a minority of Boro fans ripped up copies of the Qu’ran – the holy text of Islam – during the team’s 2-2 draw with Birmingham City at St Andrew’s last week.

A number of supporters have had their memberships suspended by the club as the Police investigation continues.

Ahead of the home game against Brighton, Boro supporters’ group, the Red Faction, staged an anti-racist protest march to the Riverside Stadium, starting from Cineworld Car Park in Middlesbrough.

More than 100 fans took part in the protest, chanting anti-racist songs.

Protester Darren Wardell, 41, from Acklam, said he felt a “bit ashamed” when he heard of the allegations and wanted to “come out and make up the numbers”.

As reported, two Middlesbrough fans have now been suspended from matches while police continue to investigate the claims of what West Midlands Police described as a “hate crime”.

A spokesman for Boro said the club would ban anyone convicted of the crime from the Riverside Stadium for life.

He added the club operates a “zero-tolerance policy” towards all forms of discrimination and is a strong supporter of football’s pledge to “eradicate racism in all its forms”.

Anyone with information relating to the allegations at Birmingham should call Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

From Gazette Live

Report an incident of discrimination confidentiallymore >

 

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010
"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“A big part of my involvement with Kick It Out stems from my strong admiration for the organisation’s commitment to fairness and equality.”
Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
“It was Kick It Out that convinced the people in football that change was possible.”
Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
“I wanted to thank the campaigners at Kick It Out for their work. I know first-hand how Kick It Out can help.”
Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
“It is important for me in my role as a Kick It Out ‘Next 20’ ambassador to teach young people how to handle discrimination and treat people with respect.”
Romelu Lukaku, 'Next 20' Ambassador
“It is a massive honour for me to be an ambassador for such a great organisation. I think they do great work on and off the field.”
Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
“I’m proud to be a supporter of Kick It Out and particularly the work they are doing to combat antisemitism within football.”
Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
"With Kick It Out leading the way football is standing up and fighting against those who preach hatred and intolerance and we at Chelsea are proud to support their work."
Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman

Archives

  • 2018
  • 2017
  • 2016
  • 2015
  • 2014
  • 2013
  • 2012
  • 2011
  • 2010