EFL Launches ‘Together Against Racism’ Campaign to Encourage Fan Reporting

By Adam Shergold for MailOnline

Published: 07:16 BST, 8 October 2023 | Updated: 07:16 BST, 8 October 2023

The English Football League (EFL) has introduced a new initiative to appeal to supporters, urging them to report instances of racism and discrimination witnessed inside stadiums and online. The campaign, named ‘Together Against Racism,’ has received support from Kick It Out, as well as all 72 EFL clubs, which will each dedicate a home matchday in October to promoting the cause.

The EFL’s initiative will run parallel to the Premier League’s ‘No Room for Racism’ and the Football Association’s ‘Enough is Enough’ campaigns throughout October. Fans of EFL clubs will be reminded of the resources available to report abuse heard within stadiums or seen online, ensuring that appropriate action can be taken by law enforcement authorities.

EFL chief executive, Trevor Birch, stated, “Football has the power to create positive change within society, which is why we are proud to collaborate with partners in the game to establish an inclusive environment for all. Our clubs are vigorously working to eliminate unwelcome behavior from football, and through the numerous measures introduced in recent years, we will continue to support them in making the EFL a true representation of the communities we serve.”

Former player turned Sky pundit, Jobi McAnuff, emphasized the importance of reporting incidents of racism and abuse. McAnuff commented, “While incidents are reported, we must acknowledge that there are likely many that go unreported. This campaign aims to remove the barriers to reporting, educate supporters on its significance, and inform them about the available reporting methods.”

Kick It Out CEO, Tony Burnett, joined forces with the EFL to urge fans and participants to report discrimination whenever they witness or experience it. Burnett stated, “Our research indicates that fans are becoming less tolerant of such behavior, but we are aware that numerous incidents still go unreported. Throughout this month and the season, we encourage fans and participants to reach out to Kick It Out via our app, website, or social media channels when they encounter or witness abuse.”

The EFL’s ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign aims to make the game safer and more inclusive for all, and the governing bodies are committed to further collaboration in this area, focusing on sharing best practices and implementing reporting procedures to achieve this goal.