A message from Chief Operations Officer and BWitC's Chief Executive Officer Phil Mason and Chief Financial Offier, Niaz Shazad, ahead of Saturday's League One fixture against Burton Albion...
Here at Bolton Wanderers, we believe that football is a game for everyone and we are proud of the welcoming atmosphere the you create here at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, every matchday.
Sadly, however there are hundreds of reports of discrimination across the game, and likely many more that go unrecorded. Whether you’re a player, manager, a fan watching from the stands or at home, your voice matters. Our voices are a powerful tool for change and when we speak up and come together, we can help drive change.
Lord Ouseley, a wonderful man who used his voice to champion equality and inclusion in football and beyond and was the founder of the anti-discrimination charity, Kick it Out, sadly died earlier this month. He dedicated his life to fighting racism and promoting diversity and significant strides have been made in tackling discrimination, thanks to his work.
The EFL stands side by side with clubs to take a zero-tolerance approach to tackling racism in our game and here at Bolton Wanderers, we are one family and want to ensure that we keep each other safe, so if you see it, report it and let’s stop it.
If you witness any racist or discriminatory abuse, please inform the nearest steward or text with the details on our own One Wanderers report line 07542850902. You can also report at kickitout.org/report.
Together we can continue to make football a safe and more welcoming space for everyone and as a club - through our charity arm of Bolton Wanderers in the Community - tackle issues of racism, help educate a new generation and in this Black History month, celebrate many from diverse cultures who have enriched our lives. Please read some of the work that the charity has been engaged in in recent weeks on our news section here.
Football has the unique ability to unite people from all walks of life. Racism and discrimination have no place in our sport, our community, or society as a whole. It is very much our collective responsibility at Bolton Wanderers to drive change and promote inclusivity, both on and off the pitch.
The Together Against Racism initiative is a vital reminder that we must continue to stand together, using our platform to challenge inequality and educate against ignorance. We hope to foster a culture where everyone feels valued, respected and empowered. Our players, staff, supporters, and local community are all part of this effort, and we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that football is a sport for all - one where diversity is celebrated and racism is confronted head-on.
By uniting as one, we can help create a better future for the game and the world beyond it. Together, we are stronger. Together, we are against racism.
We are One Club, One Community, One Town.
Enjoy the Game.
Phil & Niaz