Saints’ red card to racism

Oct 10 2008 by Richard Wilkins, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Saints’ red card to racism

PLAYERS from St Johnstone joined forces with Perth and Kinross Council's Housing and Community Care Service to ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ and support the ‘See Me’ campaign.

Following the success of last year's joint initiative, a team from the mental health service user group (PLUS) took on a young St Johnstone team at McDiarmid Park Astroturf on Monday.

This event launched the Mental Wellbeing and Friendship Week which closes tomorrow, and Show Racism The Red Card Fortnight of Action which runs from October 16-30.

The See Me campaign challenges the stigma of mental ill-health across Scotland, and acting campaign director, Suzie Vestri, said: "Stigma in any form is unacceptable but there something we can all do to help to put a stop to it.

“If someone you know has a mental health problem keep on talking to them.

“Carry on being a good colleague or friend. It can make a massive difference."

The Show Racism the Red Card's Annual Fortnight of Action involves all professional football clubs and aims to tackle racism and exclusion through the sport.

This is the third year that St Johnstone have taken part with users of community care services.

Show Racism the Red Card St Johnstone squad posters, which have been jointly sponsored by the local branch of UNISON and the Community Safety Partnership, will also be made available for fans at St Johnstone's home game against Partick Thistle on Saturday, October 25.