After a weekend where the national – Show Racism the Red Card campaign was marred locally by the activity of a few rogue St Mirren fans Wendy Alexander MSP urged Buddies to look to the example of Arkleston Primary – winners of the 2007 “Red Card” Action Grant Award.
Now in its fifth year, Show Racism the Red Card, (SRTRC) aimed at tackling racism and celebrating cultural diversity, at football matches across Scotland.   The charity has also funded a number of grassroots anti-racism projects over the last few years including a highly successful one at Arkleston Primary School in Renfrewshire.

WA MSP said:

”I am delighted to give my support to Show Racism the Red Card – I welcome the tough action by St Mirren management to condemn last weeks rogue elements and I commend  pupils at Arkleston for showing the way forward.  I hope other Renfrewshire Schools also compete and win next years “Red Card” awards.

Government statistics indicate that there are on average 14 recorded racist incidents a day. The Commission for Racial Equality estimates the true number to be five times this figure.  We must all work together to ensure that the mindless minority who engage in racist practices realize their behaviour is not acceptable in football or in wider society.”

Arkleston won a Show Racism the “Red Card” grant of up to £1,000. They organized an all school project under the title: Cultural Focus on China.  The aim of this work was to raise pupil and parent awareness of Chinese cultures and diversities.

Eleanor Bennet, Principal Teacher, Arkleston Primary Said:

“This has been a very successful block of work.  The children’s awareness of another culture has indeed been raised. Through also targeting the parents we have included them in realising the need for greater understanding in society.”