My name is Elio Ajmone and I am responsible for the development of a new campaign at Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland that looks at the issue of Sectarianism in Scottish Football.   

 

Our new project called Show Bigotry the Red Card is hoping to achieve the following:

 

  • To raise awareness and stimulate debate on the issue of Sectarianism
  • To challenge sectarian attitudes and behaviours in public spaces
  • To encourage the engagement of football fans with the campaign

 

Our most important achievement to date has been the production of an educational film called 'Rivals not Enemies', this featuring contributions from high profile football and media personalities such as Craig Gordon, Scott McDonald, Gordon Smith, Craig Brown and Elaine C. Smith. The film presents a broad range of views exploring key themes such as ‘What is Sectarianism?’, ‘Its manifestations in the game and within society as a whole’ and ‘How can we all together leave Sectarianism behind’.

 

Anecdotal evidence suggests that sectarian behaviour is not confined to Old Firm fans only. You may agree or disagree on this point. We are providing an opportunity for fans of all allegiances to come together and discuss in an open and safe environment their thoughts on how to eradicate this type of behaviour and encourage friendly rivalry and not hatred.

 

In that respect, we plan to take on the road a series of Regional Events throughout Scotland attracting all football fans regardless of the team they support.

Our very first Regional Event is scheduled for Thursday 7th October 2010 at Hamilton Park Racecourse and it will consist of:

  

  • An informal evening reception (i.e.: 6 pm to 8 pm) which will be a combination of awareness-raising through the screening of the film ‘Rivals not Enemies’ and active participation of our audiences.
  • Ex-professional players and other personalities in the game to engage with the audiences and offer their own experiences/stories during their playing careers

The ultimate goal for us would be to have you, the supporter/citizen, coming on board with our campaign to inform us on the changes that, in your view, need to take place and to help us to promote the crucial message that there is no place for sectarian or bigoted views within contemporary Scotland.

 

I would welcome very much the opportunity to meet up with you at your earliest convenience to discuss our initiatives more at length. Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about our project.

 

I sincerely hope that you will look at my request favourably and that the Supporters Trust you are representing will be willing to become involved with our campaign.

 

 Yours truly

 

 

Elio Ajmone

 

 

Tel: (0141) 222 2058

e: relint@theredcardscotland.org