Howard Gayle and John Barnes
Former Liverpool stars John Barnes and Howard Gayle met local schoolchildren at a weeks of action event at Liverpool’s International Slavery Museum last week.
The pair met children of Gwladys Street School, near Goodison Park, and North Liverpool Academy, near Anfield, to talk about racism and prejudice in football and the wider world.
They then answered questions about racism and their playing careers. The event was organised by Liverpool FC, Everton FC and Tranmere Rovers FC as part of the One Game One Community weeks of action.
England and Liverpool FC player Glen Johnson and Everton’s Marouane Fellaini have also backed the week of action.
Ambassador
Johnson, who was one of three mixed race players in England’s victory over Croatia that secured a place in next year’s World Cup, said he was pleased to see disabled supporters overcoming barriers to attend more football games.
He said: “It’s one game of football which spells out that it is available to everyone and anyone.”
Fellaini, who was awarded the Ebony Shoe, a football award for the best African player, said his African heritage was very important.
He said: “That was a very special award for me to win. My African heritage is very important to me. It is in my blood and I am very proud of it.
'Working hard'
“I’ve never been the victim of discrimination, thankfully. But I am aware that it does go on. Football and society, in general, are working hard to stop discrimination.”
Other events taking place during the weeks of action have seen Aston Villa and England international midfielder Ashley Young join Birmingham City’s Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Maik Taylor for an event with local school children at Villa Park.
Both Young and Taylor are weeks of action ambassadors, and have spoken to Kick It Out about their support for the campaign.
Young explained “As high-profile players, it’s important for us to give something back, whether that’s visiting schools or going into the community to chat with youngsters. Hopefully, young fans see me as a positive role model; I hope I am and I strive to be one.”
Meanwhile, Taylor said “I think the work Kick It Out does is brilliant. It makes people aware of the situations. It is not a nice thing and thankfully it’s not as bad as it used to be. Kick It Out has done a fantastic job and we all want to stamp it out together.”
