Bantams take the lead in fight against racism

The Bantams have teamed up with Bradford Council and the district's branch of the trade union Unison to foot the £2,000 bill for 260 copies of 'Show Racism the Red Card.'

And the official launch will be witnessed by thousands of football fans who tune into satellite TV to watch Bradford take on Premiership drop-outs Bolton Wanderers in a live broadcast from Valley Parade on August 23.

Bradford City managing director, Shaun Harvey, said he was delighted to be setting the trend by helping put vital teaching tools into the classroom.

"The message of the video is quite simply that racism is not welcome in any way, shape, means or form in any part of life," he explained.

"It is a very worthwhile project and that is why we are supporting it."

Representatives from the schools will be invited over to the ground for a special ceremony to hand over the videos in the next few weeks, said Mr Harvey.

Bradford's sports and recreation sub-committee chairman, Coun Derek Kettlewell, added his and the authority's backing.

"This very worthwhile initiative tackles an important issue which everyone, especially children, needs to be aware of."

Show Racism the Red Card features powerful role models in the shape of football's biggest names like Ian Wright, Paul Ince and Kevin Keegan.

Ged Grebby, of Youth Against Racism in Europe, the charity which produced the video, said the aim was to use people that youngsters respected to drive home the anti-racism message.

"It's an extremely effective method. Footballers are heroes to most young people and what they say will be listened to," he said.

Mr Grebby added he was delighted that Bradford City had chosen to lead the way and join forces with the council and Unison to get the videos into schools.

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