Ross County backs Show Racism the Red Card

Ross County Football Club are proudly continuing their support for Show Racism the Red Card during our match against Airdrieonians on Saturday 24th October. Using the power of football is a powerful tool to initiate conversations about anti-racism and our club has supported their messages of tolerance and inclusion for many, many years and will continue to do so. Now more than ever, the importance of active anti-racism cannot be overstated.

Ross County defender Lewis Strapp said: "I think we all have a responsibility to stand up against racism and any form of hate. It shouldn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what your background is. Everyone deserves to feel welcome, respected and safe, both in football and in everyday life.

As players, we’re fortunate to have a platform to reach people, and I think it’s important that we use that to send the right message. Something as simple as speaking up, supporting someone who has experienced discrimination or challenging unacceptable behaviour can make a real difference.

At Ross County, we want everyone to feel part of our club and our community. We stand with everyone who continues to fight against racism and hate, and I hope we can all play our part in making football and society a more welcoming place for everyone.”

Ross County Manager Stuart Kettlewell added: "Football has the power to bring people together in a way very few things can. At Ross County, we have players, staff and supporters from different backgrounds, but we are all part of the same club, and everyone should feel that they belong.

As a manager, I believe respect, togetherness and accountability are fundamental to any successful team. Those values have to extend beyond the dressing room and into our stands, our communities and wider society. There is no place for racism, discrimination or any form of hate in our game.

We all have a responsibility to challenge these behaviours rather than turn a blind eye. Whether that means speaking up, supporting someone who has been targeted or educating ourselves and others, we can all make a difference.

At Ross County, we want our club to be a place where people feel welcome, valued and proud to belong. That starts with the standards we set ourselves every day, and it is something we must continue to work towards together.”

Billy Singh, Campaign Manager from Show Racism the Red Card in Scotland had this to say:

“Football has always been more than a game. It brings people together across communities, cities, and nations. In Scotland, our clubs and our supporters have a proud tradition of passion, loyalty, and pride. But football also has a responsibility: to stand firmly against racism and discrimination, both on and off the pitch.

Recent events show that prejudice and division remain present in society. When voices seek to divide us, football must provide the opposite example – one of unity, respect, and solidarity. The

message from our game should be clear: there is no place for racism in our stadiums, in our communities, or in our country.

Show Racism the Red Card exists because education and action are vital. Campaigns like ours provide young people and adults with the tools to recognise racism, challenge it, and replace it with understanding. Football clubs are uniquely placed to spread this message, reaching thousands every week through matches, community programmes, and role models on the pitch.

We are asking supporters not only to reject racist language and behaviour, but to be active anti-racists. That means speaking out when something is wrong, supporting those targeted by abuse, and showing that the true spirit of football is inclusive. Silence allows prejudice to grow; action and solidarity stop it in its tracks.

Scottish football is enriched by players and coaches from across the world and fans cheer those players. This diversity is not a threat – it is one of the game’s greatest strengths. The range of nationalities on the pitch reflects the reality of modern Scotland: a nation shaped by contributions from people of many backgrounds.

When we stand together in our stadiums, we show what community really means. Show Racism the Red Card is more than a slogan – it’s about turning words into action

So this matchday, and every day, let’s make sure that our game is welcoming for everyone. Raise your voice, challenge racism, and show that football fans in Scotland are united.”

Further Information: www.theredcard.org