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Zidane: Racists are not invited!
Berlin,
7. 7. 2006,
21:04 (FARE)
 The captains of the World Cup finalists have come together to support
footballs fight against racism ahead of the final on Sunday in Berlin. France and Italy captains Zinedine Zidane and Fabio Cannavaro have
both written short statements calling for an end to racism in the game
to the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network to support the
efforts of campaigners to address the issue.
FARE campaigners have been working alongside FIFA, the German
Organising Committee and German fan organisation KOS at the World Cup to
challenge and raise awareness of racism in football. The Football
Unites programme has seen campaigners engaging football fans at the
World Cup with anti- racism initiatives and monitoring problems both
inside and outside of the stadiums.
The Football Unites programme will conclude in front of Berlins
famous Brandenburg gates on the fan mile where FARE German partners Dem
Ball egal will run the mobile football game, Streetkick, and anti-
racism fanzines and flyers in Italian and French will be distributed.
Fabio Cannavaro, Italy Captain
We must remain vigilant against racism and every form of intolerance or
racially motivated discrimination. This battle must be fought resolutely
and consistently every single day. We should not restrict ourselves to
appeals or words, but rather lay down a clear marker through our own
conduct. This applies in particular to footballers.
We know we have a large responsibility, especially with regard to
the very young, who from a cultural point of view are particularly
impressionable and forever in search of role models whom they can aspire
to emulate. We must therefore avoid any form of discriminatory behaviour,
not only on the pitch, but also and especially in our daily lives, so
that everyone comes to understand that there can be no differences on
account of race, skin colour or religion.
Zinedine Zidane, France Captain
There is no place for racism. It is impossible to love this sport, to
play it or to support a team and be racist or xenophobic at the same
time. The values conveyed by football are the exact opposite of racism.
Because racism promotes exclusion and hate. Football, in contrast,
brings people together to share a common pleasure.
Every four years we experience a unique time in which people
congregate together, take part together and celebrate together. Racists
are not invited."
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