Football Federation Australia (FFA), Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and Australia’s only national anti-racism charity, All Together Now, have joined forces once again in the fight against racism.
Following last year’s inaugural ‘Erase Racism Round’, the joint initiative will see Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League host this season’s round.
Football is Australia’s most multicultural sport, the ‘Erase Racism Round’ is aimed at highlighting the commitment of the players and the Hyundai A-League to ensuring that there is no place for racism in Australian Football or in the broader community.
“Unfortunately, one in five Australians was a target of racial abuse last year,” All Together Now’s Managing Director, Priscilla Brice, said. “To change this, we need to teach people that racism is unacceptable. Football is a good place to start. The Erase Racism Round certainly helps to get the word out that there is no place for racism in football.”
All Together Now ambassador and Adelaide United forward Bruce Djite said the Erase Racism Round gave the players an opportunity to play a positive role in fighting racism.
“Tackling racism is the responsibility of all and the players are eager to play their part in helping society to do so,” said Djite.
“Diversity and Multiculturalism has brought immeasurable benefits to Australia and the Erase Racism Round is a way we can highlight that to all.”
Head of the Hyundai A-League, Damien de Bohun said the Erase Racism Round once again highlighted football’s commitment to tackling racism.
“Football is an inclusive sport played by a diverse range of people all over the world. It is a common language, regardless of a person’s background or ethnicity, that people from all walks of life can relate to each other through ,” De Bohun said.
“The Hyundai A-League is again proud to support the Erase Racism Round to highlight the fact that there is no place for racism in Australian football.
“The multicultural nature of Australian football has played a huge role in the success of football and initiatives such as Erase Racism Round are an appropriate platform to support multicultural members of the Football Family.”
PFA Chief Executive Adam Vivian said the players were determined to build on last season’s Erase Racism Round.
“Our members are determined to ensure that football is free from racism,” said Vivian.
“The Erase Racism Round gives players and football supporters across Australia the chance to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity and the enormous benefits that have resulted from it and we encourage all football fans to donate to ensure All Together Now can carry on with their fantastic work.”
