Clarets behind Anti Racism Week

The week, which in fact is twelve days to allow all clubs at least one home game, is fully supported by all the professional clubs in England with more of them getting more involved this year than in previous years.

That includes Burnley where the ‘Kick it Out’ message will be evident this week when we take on Leeds. Supporters will be able to collect badges, stickers and wrist bands before the game from the club shop, ticket office and leisure centre and prior to the game the players will warm up in their special ‘Kick it Out’ shirts.

It all starts for Burnley though tomorrow when two of the first team squad, Ade Akinbiyi and James O’Connor, visit the new sports hall at Brunshaw Primary School and they will answer questions from the pupils.

The Centre of Excellence Under-9s will parade the ‘Kick it Out’ flag around the pitch before the game against Leeds and the Trust have also been able to get involved this year via an anti-racism competition run by the club and it all ends on the Sunday with the When the Ball Moves 5-a-side tournament in the Leisure Centre Sports Hall.

Clarets’ boss Steve Cotterill, fully behind the initiative said today, "It is great to see the whole of football again coming together behind Kick It Out's week of action. This is an important issue to the health of the game and the country as a whole.

"Sadly we do not see many ethnic minorities coming to matches despite the number of black players in the game and there is still an obvious lack of Asian players coming through.

"It is up to us all to set a positive example and do everything we can to challenge inequality and ensure a level playing field. I am sure that we can count on all of our fans to support the activities the club have organised to raise awareness of the week of action."