Jim Magilton speaks out against racism
Northern Ireland and Ipswich veteran midfielder Jim Magilton has thrown his weight behind the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.
Speaking to The Red Card, he says: "I've witnessed it during certain games and I've always tried to stand up against it. I don't believe in it and I don't think it has any credence in our game or our society at all.
I've been called an "Irish so-and-so"...it makes me feel more determined. I never let it get on my back. I don't know what it's like (to experience racism) because of the colour of my skin. It's a shocking thing that because you've got a different colour skin to me that someone would have the gall to stand up and call you a certain name.
It's ridiculous. The first time I saw it, was at Anfield and John Barnes was at Liverpool. I was a young pro at Liverpool in a derby game when the Everton supporters threw bananas. It was totally disgusting. That was the first time I had ever seen it at such close quarters".
His advice to young people who witness racism is: "Discourage it as much as you can. If you hear someone say it, ask them why they say it - why would they call someone a certain name? It doesn't have to be verbal either. It could be ignoring people for certain reasons. It's difficult to stand as one person, but if you're with a group of mates and you hear someone being racist, go and stand up against it. You all should be brave enough to stand up against it. Be educated and aware and don't be ignorant about it".
Speaking to The Red Card, he says: "I've witnessed it during certain games and I've always tried to stand up against it. I don't believe in it and I don't think it has any credence in our game or our society at all.
I've been called an "Irish so-and-so"...it makes me feel more determined. I never let it get on my back. I don't know what it's like (to experience racism) because of the colour of my skin. It's a shocking thing that because you've got a different colour skin to me that someone would have the gall to stand up and call you a certain name.
It's ridiculous. The first time I saw it, was at Anfield and John Barnes was at Liverpool. I was a young pro at Liverpool in a derby game when the Everton supporters threw bananas. It was totally disgusting. That was the first time I had ever seen it at such close quarters".
His advice to young people who witness racism is: "Discourage it as much as you can. If you hear someone say it, ask them why they say it - why would they call someone a certain name? It doesn't have to be verbal either. It could be ignoring people for certain reasons. It's difficult to stand as one person, but if you're with a group of mates and you hear someone being racist, go and stand up against it. You all should be brave enough to stand up against it. Be educated and aware and don't be ignorant about it".
posted by garrettmullan
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