NEWS RELEASE
Thursday 9 September 2004
The BNP Don't Care About Scottish Football says STUC The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) today urged Rangers and Hearts fans to show the red card to the racist BNP activists who are threatening activity at the Rangers vs. Hearts match taking place at Tynecastle on Sunday 12 September.
Speaking today, Grahame Smith, Deputy General Secretary of the STUC said:
"The British National Party do not care about Scottish football or Scottish football fans. All they are interested in is peddling their lies, misinformation and politics of hatred. The STUC is urging all Rangers and Hearts fans to ignore the BNP and to show racism the red card!"
Mr Smith added:
"Both Hearts and Rangers football teams have Black players and players that are from outside the UK. These players make a vital and entertaining contribution to Scottish football. The BNP's racist and fascist views are just not welcome in football".
Roddy McNulty of Show Racism the Red Card said:
"Here is another example of the British National Party hijacking an issue to promote their policies of racial hatred. What does the flying of the Union Flag at Tynecastle or not, have to do with the BNP's racist agenda?"
"Like on housing, jobs and crime, presumably the BNP will be blaming Asians, Blacks and asylum-seekers for the removal of the flag. SRTRC have had the full support of Hearts and Rangers players, managers and supporters' organisations for many years. We are confident that Hearts and Rangers fans will see this BNP ploy for what it is, and that the racists will be shown the red card on Sunday."
Fraser Wishart Secretary of the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association said:
"As a former Rangers and Hearts player I know that the majority of both clubs' fans are right minded people and I call on them to ignore this
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
organisation and support the Show Racism the Red Card campaign to remove all types of racial hatred from football and society."
ENDS
For Further Information:
STUC: Grahame Smith / Mary Senior
Show Racism the Red Card Roddy McNulty
SPFA Secretary Fraser Wishart