Celebrating 30 Years of Show Racism the Red Card: A United North East Remembers
On Monday 10th August, supporters of Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC) came together across the North East to mark a significant milestone – 30 years of standing up to racism through the power of football. It was a day not just of reflection, but of reaffirmation, as players, patrons and partners united at Ramside Hall for a special 30th Anniversary Golf Day and Dinner.
The event was graced by some of the charity’s longest-standing patrons, including Viv Anderson MBE, Chris Hughton, Peter Reid, Gary Bennett, Dean Gordon, Steve Howey, John Beresford, Peter Beardsley and Craig Hignett. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the decades of commitment that have helped shape SRtRC’s journey and of the work still to be done.
The afternoon saw spirited competition on the fairways, before attention turned to the evening’s main event. None of this would have been possible without the incredible team at Ramside Hall, whose hospitality ensured the day ran seamlessly, nor without the generosity of our sponsors: Thompsons Solicitors, Potts Printing, American Golf, and–in a true show of regional unity–Newcastle United FC, Sunderland AFC and Middlesbrough FC.
Yes, you read that right. For one day, all three clubs across the region stood side by side, sending a clear and resounding message: there is no room for racism within the game or in society. We are immensely proud of the relationships we have built with these clubs over the years, working together to expand our education programmes and embed anti-racism values in the next generation of players and fans.
We were delighted to be joined on the day by Dwight Gayle, as well as Emma Kelly, Jemma Purfield, Emilia Larson, Lois Joel and Beth Lumsden from the Newcastle United Women’s team. They were joined by a host of long-time supporters and former professional players, Darren Williams, Danny Collins and Jimmy Shoulder from Sunderland AFC, and Middlesbrough FC – all proof that when it comes to tackling racism, unity is what we need.
The day culminated in an evening dinner that was as inspiring as it was enjoyable. The highlight came with a special Q&A session, featuring Peter Reid, Viv Anderson MBE, Chris Hughton, and former Newcastle United Women’s player Charlotte Potts. Their candid reflections on the past, present, and future of anti-racism in football provided a fitting close to a day that celebrated how far we’ve come – while reminding us of the collective responsibility that lies ahead.
Here’s to 30 years of Show Racism the Red Card – and to the many more milestones we will achieve together. United, we are stronger.
Photography credits go to Hannah McMenzie