Perth pupils show racism the red card

Mar 5 2010 Perthshire Advertiser Friday

STAR-STRUCK Perth pupils teamed-up with their St Johnstone heroes at McDiarmid Park this week to support the fight against racism.

The local ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ campaign gave youngsters from North Muirton and Ruthvenfield primary schools a chance to talk to the club’s SPL stars and grab their autographs.

It was part of Perth and Kinross Council’s ongoing partnership with Show Racism the Red Card and Saints to promote an anti-racist message to youngsters.

PKC and the local community safety partnership are funding a series of coaching and educational workshops being led by St Johnstone’s community coaches this month.

Each child taking part will receive a Saints squad poster and a Red Card magazine.

Kids attending the launch were welcomed by community safety partnership vice-convener Elspeth McLachlan.

“This high-profile campaign is an excellent way to educate children about the evils of racism,” she declared.

“I'm delighted that we have forged such a close working partnership with St Johnstone, who have been extremely enthusiastic and determined about this project.”

Billy Singh, from Show Racism The Red Card, said that the joint initiative showed “a clear commitment to stamping out racism”.

“This kind of work equips young people well to deal with racist attitudes and behaviours,” said Mr Singh.

“Schools in the area are very keen to engage with the campaign and the young people we have worked with are very positive about it.”