This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
The Dutch team will turn out in a special black and white anti-racism strip in tonight's World Cup warm-up friendly against England in Birmingham. The slogan 'Stand Up, Speak Up' is to be seen on the sleeve of the jersey.Kit sponsor Nike has launched a large campaign in which European football stars ask their fans to stand up and speak out against racism. The aim of the campaign, which is called Stand Up Speak Up, is to empower true football fans to show their opposition to racism and show the ignorant few that their views and racist abuse in stadiums will not be tolerated.PSV have been supporting the fight to stop racism for a long time yet, among other things by showing a commercial ‘Show a red card to racism’ before the kick-off of every home game. And PSV have joined the organization Football Against Racism Europe (FARE), which endeavours to fight racism in football stadiums. The symbol of the Stand Up Speak Up campaign is the black and white wristband that is available in the PSV Fanshop. In return for the wristbands, fans are asked to make a minimum donation of € 2,-. All the money raised will be administered and distributed to the independent King Boudewijn Foundations in Brussels to support anti-racism projects and initiatives across Europe.PSV.nl will have Ruud van Nistelrooy, one of the stars featuring in the TV spot of this campaign, sign one of the black and white jerseys that the players of the Dutch team will be wearing tonight. PSV.nl will put up that jersey for sale. The highest bidder will be requested to transmit the money into the account of the above mentioned fund."Racism is one of the biggest problems facing football across Europe. People may think the problem has disappeared, but it hasn’t. The players on the pitch need the help of all fans to help drown out the racists and tell them their actions aren’t acceptable. It’s time to stand up and speak up" - Thierry Henry.
