Applaud effort to root out racism

First of all the club should be commended for the way it has actively tried to make a stand against racism. Although there has been a few incidents at Gigg Lane in the past, it is important that the club actively states that it will not tolerate any kind of racism in the future.

Secondly, the fact that the local Asian population has not supported the club in numbers or through sponsorship is not relevant issue. I would argue that the level of support for the club from the people of Bury, regardless of their racial background, has been pitiful.

In this case the real issue is making football an environment where everybody feels safe to take part, whether as a spectator or a player. Again, the club has gone to enormous lengths to make this a possibility.

According to your correspondent the day was not supported by the local Asian population. I would disagree. The tickets distributed through the community officer and the Racial Equality Council were well received and used. The club was not expecting thousands of Asians to flood through the turnstiles and has taken a long-term approach to attracting support from all parts of the town.

Accusations of it being "a waste of time" are misplaced. The Kick-it-Out campaign manager, Piara Powar, has reported that there has never been so much coverage for an anti-racism day at a football club.

The beauty of football is that it reaches a huge audience, particularly youngsters. The football players, as role models, will have an undoubted effect on children's thoughts, attitudes and actions. The players' support for the day will show that there is no place for racism in our beloved game or the wider social context.

I would urge this particular Bury fan to open his mind to what Bury FC is trying to achieve and see the difference not now, but in maybe five or ten years, and then applaud the club for its foresight.

DARREN BERNSTEIN,

co-organiser,

Anti-Racist Day.