EFL Launches Together Against Racism
The EFL and all 72 clubs are uniting across two dedicated matchdays this October in support of Together Against Racism, with players, managers and supporters standing together to send a clear message: racism has no place in the game and must be challenged wherever it occurs.
Clubs across the League will host dedicated matchdays and highlight the positive work taking place to tackle racism, support those affected and build a game where everyone feels they belong.
The campaign encourages supporters to report incidents live directly to clubs when they occur, enabling clubs and authorities to intervene quickly, gather evidence and identify offenders.
Reporting incidents in this way can make a significant difference. EFL data from last season shows that 63% of live racism incidents reported directly to clubs led to individuals being identified and action being taken and was over twice as likely to deliver an offender ID than a post-match report.
– Live reporting directly to clubs accounted for 85.7% – or nearly 9 in every 10 identifications
– Earlier reporting at the match enables faster action and greater identification success 2.2 x higher identification success when incidents are reported live directly to clubs
– Delayed information narrows the window to identify individuals and act
EFL clubs are also committed to rehabilitative education and to date over 550 football fans from across English football have participated in Kick It Out’s fan education programme which enrols supporters who’ve been discriminatory in stadiums or online.
The scheme has proved impactful, with a very low re-offending rate of 1.25%, and many on the scheme have gone on to educate peers and report discrimination themselves.
You can find information on how to report racism and other forms of discrimination to clubs here.
Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of the EFL, said: “Football has a unique ability to bring communities together and give people a sense of belonging. Racism undermines that bond, which is why it remains critically important that the EFL, its clubs, players, staff and supporters stand united against it wherever it is seen or heard.
“EFL data demonstrates that when incidents are reported at the time – through club channels, to stewards or to the police – there is a significantly greater prospect of identifying those responsible and holding them to account.
“Last season, 51 people received bans and a further 15 attended education courses. The message is clear: the more information that is reported, the better the chance of ensuring that acts of hate have consequences.
“Discrimination has no place in our game, online or in our communities. The EFL remains resolute in its commitment to confronting racism in all its forms.”
Image: EFL
