Black History Month gives football an opportunity to honour the Black players whose talent, courage and leadership have helped shape the game. It also asks us to recognise those who turned the experience of racism into organised action, creating a legacy that reaches beyond the pitch.
The PFA has played an important part in that history. As the players’ union, its responsibility has extended beyond pay and conditions to the dignity, welfare and equal treatment of its members. Its contribution to establishing Kick It Out and supporting Show Racism the Red Card from the beginning deserves recognition.
In 1993, the PFA worked alongside the Commission for Racial Equality to help establish the campaign that became Kick It Out. The leadership of the late Lord Herman Ouseley and Bob Purkiss, the involvement of Gordon Taylor and the contributions of players including Paul Elliott and John Fashanu helped bring the campaign into being. Brendon Batson’s work as the Deputy Chief Executive within the PFA also played a pivotal role in its development. Together, they helped turn players’ experiences and demands for change into a collective response across football.
That contribution mattered because players should never have been expected to confront racism alone. A union could bring their voices together, challenge the game’s institutions and help sustain the work beyond an individual incident or campaign.
This year, Show Racism the Red Card celebrates its 30th anniversary. Established in January 1996, with early support from Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, it demonstrated how a footballer’s influence could help challenge prejudice through education. Hislop and teammate John Beresford took that message into Gosforth High School at the charity’s first event, beginning a relationship between football and learning that continues today.
The PFA was an original supporter and sponsor of Show Racism the Red Card. Its members have contributed their time, profile and personal experiences to educational events and resources, helping young people discuss racism, question stereotypes and understand their own responsibility to challenge discrimination. The union’s backing helped sustain an approach rooted in education and the power of human connection.
We also recognise the work of Sheffield-based Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD), which is marking 30 years of using football to challenge racism, build understanding and bring communities together.
We pay tribute to the players who spoke when speaking carried a personal cost; to the campaigners who persisted; and to the educators, staff, volunteers and supporters who have carried this work into schools, clubs, communities and society .
Black history in football includes exceptional achievement. It also includes resistance, solidarity and the struggle to secure opportunities that others could take for granted. Recognising that history means valuing Black leadership in the decisions that shape football, as well as celebrating Black talent on the field and off it .
The PFA can take pride in its contribution to these two organisations. That pride carries a continuing responsibility: to support players who report racism in all its forms, strengthen education, challenge unequal opportunities and keep players’ lived experience at the centre of the response.
As Show Racism the Red Card marks thirty years, and Kick It Out continues more than three decades of campaigning, we honour their achievements by supporting the work still ahead.
Every player deserves dignity. Every young person deserves opportunity. Every part of football has a responsibility to help make that possible.
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