Show Racism the Red Card event at Easter Road

Hibs’ captain Liam Craig (pictured) and defender Keith Watson attended a Show Racism The Red Card event at Easter Road on Monday afternoon to help spread an important message to local schoolchildren: Kick out Racism and Bigotry.

Pupils from St Ninian’s Primary and Lorne Primary attended the stadium for a day of Show Racism the Red Card activities.

The day was designed to promote messages of equality and respect, allowing the young people to explore their views and knowledge about racism in a safe environment.

Craig, who is a Show Racism the Red Card ambassador, believes the event was an extremely valuable way in order to educate young people about the right way forward.

He told Hibs TV: I think it’s massively important to spread the message.

“We are making giant steps forward, but we’re not naïve enough to think that the problem doesn’t exist anymore.

“We need to get into schools and communities and educate people, so that hopefully one day we can eradicate it.

“As footballers we realise we are role models, especially for younger people and we can help try to kick racism and bigotry out of society.

“That’s why I get involved in Show Racism The Red Card, because if I can help to make a difference then that’s great.”

The young people took part in workshops in the morning exploring the meaning of racism and the consequences of stereotyping. This was followed by a stadium tour with Sue McLernon from the Hibernian Community Foundation.

During the afternoon session Show Racism the Red Card screened their anti-racism educational film, which features some of the game’s greatest players; Thierry Henry, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Didier Drogba.  The pupils then had the opportunity to act as media journalists as part of a role play activity and posed some tough questions to a guest panel.

The panel included, ex-professional footballer and Show Racism the Red Card coaches Derek Ferguson and Mickey Weir.

Craig and Watson, joined the young people in the afternoon to take questions and share their experiences.

Photo by John Preece