≡
More…

    Don't Fine Soccer Players and Teams for Protesting Racism

    ► ▼ See full description Hide full description

    To: UEFA Chief Michael Platini

    To Michael Platini,

    In a June 2012 news conference, you stated that any players and teams that walk off a soccer pitch during a sanctioned match in response to racist taunting will be fined. We believe this is the wrong approach.

    We urge you to develop a new strategy to combat racism during...

    …

    To Michael Platini,

    In a June 2012 news conference, you stated that any players and teams that walk off a soccer pitch during a sanctioned match in response to racist taunting will be fined. We believe this is the wrong approach.

    We urge you to develop a new strategy to combat racism during European soccer matches that includes:

    1) Boosting security during matches to monitor fans who use racist chants
    2) Implementing a strategy that will eject and ban these fans from future matches
    3) Reverse the decision to fine players and teams for walking off or terminating a match to protest racism.

    4,000

    3,755 people signed a petition

    Thanks for watching

    Help spread the word about this video.
    Log in to watch this video
    Thanks for watching

    On January 3, 2013, star AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng walked off the pitch during a friendly match against Pro Patria in Italy because of racist taunting. His teammates, along with every member of the Pro Patria team, joined him in walking off and terminating the match in the first half.

    Boateng's action, and those of AC Milan, are subject to a fine because of UEFA chief Michael Platini's stance that any team or player that terminates a match in protest of racism can be fined. This needs to change and a new strategy needs to be implemented that supports players and teams for their actions.

    Issues: , , , ,

    1. Update #2

      Posted by Nick Magel (Campaign Leader) on Jan 30

      Unfortunately it looks like racism in soccer is getting worse before it is getting better. On Tuesday, American soccer player Jozy Altidore was playing for his professional Dutch team AZ Alkmaar. After scoring a goal (nice!) he as the target of racist chants from the opponent's fans. The chants got so bad that the team was ushered off the field and the game delayed. You can read more about it HERE.

      The mere fact that the game was not canceled outright (I can't image Jozy or his teammates...

      …

      Unfortunately it looks like racism in soccer is getting worse before it is getting better. On Tuesday, American soccer player Jozy Altidore was playing for his professional Dutch team AZ Alkmaar. After scoring a goal (nice!) he as the target of racist chants from the opponent's fans. The chants got so bad that the team was ushered off the field and the game delayed. You can read more about it HERE.

      The mere fact that the game was not canceled outright (I can't image Jozy or his teammates felt safe) shows that soccer officials are not taking racism serious enough. Please up spread this petition and lets get racism out of soccer once and for all. 

      Altidore's teammates leave the field with him after racist taunts become too much

    2. Update #1

      Posted by Alex De La Cruz (Campaign Leader) on Jan 7

      Hey petition-signers,

      Thanks for taking the time to visit this page and to sign my petition. I've been following European football for years, including seeing a few matches in the historic Santiago Bernabeu, and I've witnessed some racism in the stands firsthand. I truly believe Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to walk off the pitch last week was a brave and courageous move.

      Unfortunately, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has now taken a similar position to UEFA Chief Michael Platini and has...

      …

      Hey petition-signers,

      Thanks for taking the time to visit this page and to sign my petition. I've been following European football for years, including seeing a few matches in the historic Santiago Bernabeu, and I've witnessed some racism in the stands firsthand. I truly believe Kevin-Prince Boateng's decision to walk off the pitch last week was a brave and courageous move.

      Unfortunately, FIFA President Sepp Blatter has now taken a similar position to UEFA Chief Michael Platini and has specified that teams may be subject to forfeiting games if this happens again. I don't believe this is the right strategy. Help me get to 1000 signatures so we can show the governing bodies of European football that we stand with players who want to end racism now.

      Please send this to your network and friends through:
      1) Facebook
      2) Twitter
      3) Email
      4) Tumblr

      See Sepp's quote: http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/06/fifa-sepp-blatter-kevin-prince-boateng

      Thanks!
      Alex

    Recent Signatures

    1. 3,755
      Nelson Lazo Honduras
      1 day ago
    2. 3,754
      Martha Figueroa Mier Mexico
      2 days ago
    3. 3,753
      Tlacaxipehualiztli Acatl Mexico
      2 days ago
    4. 3,752
      Richard C Rogers Glendale, AZ
      6 days ago
    5. 3,751
      Bryan Hepp Phoenix, AZ
      6 days ago
    6. 3,750
      Ron Morgan United Kingdom
      10 days ago

    Reposted by 5 campaigns

    See more Campaigns Repost this petition

    Discuss the petition

    37 comments have been posted

    Invite friends to sign the petition

    Thanks for signing the petition!

    Spread the word by inviting friends

    Uncheck All
    Please choose at least one friend.
    You must give Causes permission to post on your behalf to share on your timeline.
    You must give Causes permission to your friends' locations to find them.
    Your message is too long.
    Please wait while we send your invitations.

    Selected friends ()

    Personal message

    Share

    0 of 1 batches sent

    Check the "Don't ask again" box below and you won't have to confirm the next time you send invitations

    Remind your friends to sign this petition