"Arsenal is anti-racism UEFA champion," says London MEP

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 19th Oct 2004

Baroness Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat MEP for London, accompanied over a hundred London schoolchildren at an event at Arsenal Football Club this week, when stars Patrick Vieira, Edu and Anan Dosanj answered questions about how to kick racism out of football.

Sarah Ludford, who is Vice-Chair of the Anti-racism and Diversity intergroup in the European Parliament, said:

"Arsenal provides a fantastic inspiration for young people in London, both on the pitch and its work in the community. I congratulate them on holding this event to mark National Anti-Racism Week of Action in Football, reflecting the diversity of their players and supporters."

"I applaud Arsenal's commitment not only to eradicate racism not only among its own supporters but also to take a lead in Europe. As a club with a huge international profile, Arsenal's support for UEFA's 10 point plan is invaluable."

ENDS

Notes:

The National Anti-Racism Week of Action in Football was organised by Kick-It Out, with support from the Football Foundation.

UEFA's 10 point plan to eradicate racism:

Issue a statement saying the club will not tolerate racism, spelling out the action it will take against those engaged in racist chanting. The statement should be printed in all match programmes and displayed permanently and prominently around the ground.

Make public address announcements condemning racist chanting at matches

Make it a condition for season-tickets that they do not take part in racist abuse.

Take action to prevent the sale of racist literature inside and around the ground.

Take disciplinary action against players who engage in racist abuse.

Contact other clubs to make sure they understand the club's policy on racism.

Encourage a common strategy between stewards and police for dealing with racist abuse.

Remove all racist graffiti from the ground as a matter of urgency.

Adopt an equal opportunities' policy in relation to employment and service provision.

Work with all other groups and agencies, such as the players union, supporters, schools, voluntary organisations, youth clubs, sponsors, local authorities, local businesses and police