Ange Postecoglou makes emphatic anti-racism statement as Celtic back campaign

By Euan Davidson

October 21, 2021

Ange Postecoglou has once again represented Celtic in fantastic style, as the club got behind the Show Racism the Red Card campaign.

The Greek-Aussie manager, himself an immigrant to Australia as a child, experienced discrimination growing up. In documentary ‘The Age of Ange’, Postecoglou describes the reputation of football in Australia. Furthermore, the racism directed towards immigrants in the country is covered with detail.

So, when he speaks about it, he does so with particular, acute understand of the scourge racism is in our community. Today, then, gave him an excellent platform to talk passionately on the subject.

Ahead of Show Racism the Red Card‘s week of action, Postecoglou said [Celtic FC]:

“Myself and everyone at the Club again want to make a strong stand against racism in all its forms. Sadly, we continue to see things demonstrating that racism is still very much with us, and that just isn’t good enough.

“Of course, some of these are in football, but let’s get it right, this is a problem for the whole of society which can manifest itself in our game. However, if we in football can help and shine a light on it and call it out then that’s what together, we must do, without question.

“But when we call it out, when we say no to racism, we must mean it and feel it and work for some real change. I have been really fortunate to have lived my life in different places and spoken before about my own background as an immigrant.”

“It has been a joy to have lived these experiences and to meet so many different people. I have always loved that kind of variety and being part of that kind of community with people of different colour, nationality or background.

“So we must challenge racism whenever we see it. We must call it out and say very clearly that enough is enough.”

Ange Postecoglou gets tone spot on again as Celtic back anti-racism campaign

Of course, it’s vital that the club are emphatically backing any anti-racism campaign in football.

This year has shown that it remains a key area to tackle in the game. The advent of social media has made it easier to target players. But we’re also seeing more incidents at and/or before games. It’s wrong, it’s pathetic, and it needs stamped out.

One need only look at the treatment of Kyogo Furuhashi earlier this season. Or the treatment of Rangers player Glen Kamara, for a sustained period, since the Europa League last season. Even in lower leagues, racism remains a huge issue.

All too often, we’re seeing disgusting, outdated sentiments put their blight on our game.

It doesn’t matter who you support, it’s a scourge on society and on football. Scottish football proposing annual bans on players found guilty of racism is a good step [BBC], but it’s a huge societal issue.

For Postecoglou, then, to boldly speak about his own experiences, and share the passion he has for anti-racism, is excellent. He continues to represent our club in a genuinely meaningful way.

You can read more about Show Racism the Red Card here.

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