EFL launch new ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign to urge fans to report abuse heard inside stadiums or seen online as the League joins forces with Kick It Out

• Each of the 72 EFL clubs will devote a home matchday to promote the campaign
• Jobi McAnuff has voiced a video informing fans how they can report abuse
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’

The English Football League has launched a new initiative appealing to supporters to report racism and discrimination heard inside stadiums and online.

The ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign has the backing of Kick It Out and all 72 EFL clubs, who will each devote a home matchday during October to promoting it.

The EFL’s initiative will run alongside the Premier League’s ‘No Room for Racism’ and the Football Association’s ‘Enough is Enough’ campaigns throughout October.

Fans of EFL clubs will be reminded of ways they can report abuse heard within stadiums or seen online so law enforcement authorities can take action.

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: ‘Football has a platform to effect positive change across society, so we are proud to be collaborating with partners across the game to ensure a welcoming environment for everyone.

The EFL has launched a new ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign to encourage supporters to report abuse heard inside stadiums or online to the authorities 

Each of the 72 EFL Clubs will promote the campaign at a home matchday this month

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‘Our clubs are working hard to stamp out unwelcome behaviour from football and via the many measures the game has introduced in recent years we will continue to support them as we look to make the EFL truly representative of the communities we represent.’

Former player turned Sky pundit Jobi McAnuff said: ‘While incidents do get reported we also know that there are likely more that don’t. This campaign is about breaking down the barriers to reporting, educating supporters on why it is so important and the methods which are available to them to do so.

‘While football has strived to make progress, there is still much to be done. I’m proud to be involved and playing a small part in raising awareness of measures that can help combat racism, abuse and all forms of discrimination.’

Kick It Out CEO Tony Burnett added: ‘Kick It Out joins the EFL in urging fans and participants to report discrimination when they see it or hear it.

‘Our research suggests that fans are becoming less tolerant of this behaviour, but we know that many more incidents are still going unreported.

Former player turned Sky Sports pundit Jobi McAnuff has voiced a video for the campaign

‘This month, and throughout the season, we encourage fans and participants to reach out to Kick It Out when they witness or experience abuse via our app, website or our social media channels.

‘We welcome the governing bodies’ commitment to use their upcoming awareness and anti-discrimination initiatives as a springboard for further collaboration in this space, which we think should look to focus on sharing best practice around reporting procedures and agreeing further steps to make the game more inclusive.

‘Those actions will help to make the game safer and more welcoming for all.’

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

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