MEND attend Rally in Support of Eradicating Racism in Scottish Sport

On Wednesday 7th September, MEND attended the Rally in Support of Eradicating Racism in Scottish Sport outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh. This rally aimed to raise awareness of racism across sport and to pressure the Scottish Government to ensure that the rights of racial minorities are respected at all levels of sport in Scotland.

Despite the grey skies and occasional downpours of rain, people from across the country assembled to raise awareness of the bullying and discriminatory behaviour which individuals in sport deal with on a regular basis at both local and national level. The rally came at a time of renewed awareness of the widespread nature of racism in sport in Britain, following the scandal surrounding Yorkshire County Cricket Club and the recent allegations of racism reported in cricket clubs across Scotland. Following the passionate speeches, the public were then invited to attend the debate inside parliament which was secured by Kaukab Stewart MSP who brought this important discussion to her colleagues from all sides of the political spectrum.

This rally and subsequent debate in parliament marked a special moment in the history of sport in Scotland, and the wider struggle to tackle racism in all its manifestations across society. It was also a moment which many people had tirelessly worked for – at times at the detriment of their emotional wellbeing.

Speakers at the event included the, Anas Sarwar, leader of the Scottish Labour Party; Humza Yousaf, Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care; Aamer Anwar, human rights lawyer and Paul Reddish OBE of the Running Out Racism Campaign.

We would like to thank Running Out Racism and all the other partners who were involved in organising this much needed rally, allowing all to stand up against racism in sports.