Today, FC Bayern kicks off its campaign ‘Reds against Racism‘, with which the club is taking a stand against exclusion, abuse and intolerance.
President Herbert Hainer: "With our campaign we want to take a stand against hatred, agitation and any kind of violence. Racism is one of the worst forms of discrimination and has no place in our world. Football should be fun. This is what FC Bayern stands for – along with the values of tolerance, respect and diversity.”
All photos by Fritz Beck
Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge: "In recent weeks, incidents have occurred in Bundesliga stadiums that none of us can be happy with. We are particularly concerned about the growing incidence of racism. That’s why we’re showing racism the red card. With our long-planned campaign 'Reds against Racism', we want to contribute to making our stadium culture, which is the envy of the whole of Europe, defined once again by reason and humanity.”
The campaign sees players from the football and basketball teams as well as club officials taking a stand with personal statements. Alphonso Davies explains with regard to his incredible life journey from refugee baby to Bayern pro: "I know: football knows no borders.” Oliver Kahn reports that he can easily put himself in the shoes of people who are treated with hostility: "It’s a feeling of abasement, humiliation and marginalisation.” Uli Hoeneß warns that in Germany "there are still people who trivialise the Nazi era." Lineth Beerensteyn talks about how people in her home country, the Netherlands, deal with the issue ("we can all learn from each other"), and basketball player Alex King gives insights into how he felt as a child when he was discriminated against. The Germany international says: "Open your eyes! Guys, racism went out a long time ago!" Joshua Kimmich makes it clear: "Racism concerns us all. Germany can be multicultural. Because Germany is multicultural." And Serge Gnabry vividly sums up the issue: "I feel comfortable in my own skin."
Read all the Bayern statements here 👇
The shirts with the "Reds against Racism" imprint, which all involved will wear during the campaign, are now available in all FC Bayern Stores as well as in the Online Store for €15. The entire proceeds will go to social organisations that are committed to diversity and tolerance.
With ‘Reds against Racism’ FC Bayern also wants to support the DFL’s campaign matchday, which will take place on the weekend of 20/21/22 March and will also be dedicated to the issue of diversity. "It always sounds so positive that football brings people together," says Manuel Neuer, "so we also need to live up to those positive words with actions.” Every case of racism is one too many, Rummenigge warns: "Anyone who rejects this is clearly at the wrong club.”
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