During the next two rounds of the game, the Premier League site will display “No Room for Racism” ads and banners that are part of a new campaign to increase the number of discrimination events in the sport.
The awareness-raising campaign runs from March 30th to Monday, April 8th, and will be promoted in stadiums and social media.
However, the move was not universally welcomed by anti-racist activists, as these two weekends are usually for football’s main charity, Kick It Out, and it was not consulted on this initiative.
Press Association Sport is aware that Kick It Out, which celebrates its 25th anniversary, is pleased that the League is taking racism seriously. However, it is immaterial whether the anti-discrimination message would be more effective if it were more consistent and united.
A source close to Kick It Out, who wanted to remain anonymous, told PA Sport that the clubs had contacted the charity to say they were confused, whether its embassy or Premier League promotions.
Another source said it was a disappointment with Kick It Out that the League did not discuss its plans with charities. She also pointed out that the league gave Kick It Out more money than investing in a new campaign.
Last season, the Premier League gave just under £ 270,000 to Kick It Out, while the English Football League, the Football Association and the Professional Footballers Association each contributed £ 125,000.
However, it is clear that the Premier League has calmed the charity on Monday. She has no plans to start an opposing organization, and this initiative is a response to a call from Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of Kick It Out, this season so clubs can do even more to combat discrimination in their cause ,
It should also be added that Kick It Out material will also be promoted by Premier League clubs over the next two weekends and club captains will wear the charity logo on their armbands.
Richard Masters, Interim Chief Executive of the Premier League, said in a statement: “Together with our clubs, we are proud of the diversity in the Premier League, in the stands, on the court and in our communities.
“Working with Kick It Out since 1993 has made great strides in combating racism through various initiatives and club partnerships.
We also recognize that much more needs to be done, and the Premier League is committed to furthering inclusion and diversity throughout our competition and beyond.
“It is obvious that there is still a minority of people who think that discriminatory behavior is acceptable, but the campaign” No Room for Racism “makes it clear that it is not accepted by the Premier League and our clubs.”
This season has been accused of several known incidents of discriminatory abuse allegedly or otherwise accused of involving Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal and Raheem Sterling of Manchester City.
Kick It Out has also said that reports of discrimination have increased in recent years, especially in social media.
