The ‘Our Biggest Match’ Conference took place earlier today, hosted by Millwall FC at The Den.
In partnership with the EFL, Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card and the Football Supporters Association, the event held by the Championship club is one of many club-led initiatives across the League aiming to tackle discrimination and drive all forms of it out of Clubs and the wider game.
Representatives from over 50 EFL Clubs attended today’s event to discuss the issue of discrimination and share best practice on how to best educate staff and supporters, raise awareness of how to report incidents and how to reduce incidents in stadiums and combating on-line abuse.
Attendees heard from the EFL on the importance of sharing good practice in this area, the FSA and their Fans for Diversity campaign, Kick It Out regarding the current reporting system and Show Racism the Red Card regarding their educational programmes they deliver in partnership with many EFL Clubs.
A panel of media representatives discussed with Clubs how they can work together to change the agenda, as well as a presentation by the Metropolitan Police on dealing with hate crime.
The EFL and its Clubs are committed to providing a football experience for all and tackling discriminatory behaviour in all forms at our fixtures and Millwall FC’s event today is one of many that showcase the work Clubs are doing in this area.
Millwall FC CEO, Steve Kavanagh said, “Following an incident in our game against Everton earlier this year, we went through a review of how we deal with these matters and we wanted to organise a conference to share best practice and learn from other Clubs.
“We got all the Clubs together along with The EFL, Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card who have all supported today’s event. It is important to show that football stands united against discrimination.
“The EFL, Kick It Out and Show Racism the Red Card have supported today’s event massively but it is about the EFL Clubs and they have supported it fantastically today, that became as important to show that football stands united against discrimination.
“There isn’t a club in this country that wants this until we realise that’s the situation and take a stand we’re not going to change.”
EFL Operations and Security Advisor, Bob Eastwood said, “It was great to see so many EFL Clubs at today’s conference and it highlights the continued commitment of football Clubs as we tackle discrimination in all forms.
“Learning from each other and sharing best practice is the most valuable way for us all to move forward and I’d like to thank Millwall FC for proactively organising and hosting today’s event which I’m sure has been beneficial to all in attendance.
“It is clear there is still more that needs to be done and we look forward to working alongside Clubs to make a difference in tackling hate crime.”