This year, FC Bayern will once again send out a clear signal in support of diversity during the ‘International Weeks against Racism’. Until 30 March, the German record champions will be involved in various campaigns as part of their ‘Red against Racism’ initiative and, as always, the focus will also be on addressing the topic: in this case, for example, at a joint workshop with FC St. Pauli, who will be the visitors to the Allianz Arena on 29 March. Members of both clubs are invited to attend, and the motto of the exchange with external experts is: ‘Two clubs - one attitude’.
Herbert Hainer, president of FC Bayern: “With ‘Red against Racism’, we as FC Bayern regularly take a stand against all forms of discrimination and want to bring about a long-term debate on the topic of diversity. We’re very pleased about the exchange with FC St. Pauli because it’s important that we all work together to ensure greater awareness of issues such as racism - regardless of which club we belong to. It's about a sense of perspective. There must be no place for marginalisation in sport or in our society.”
During the campaign weeks, FC Bayern will once again be sending out visible signals at matches involving its professional teams in men's and women's football as well as basketball, again joining the DFL campaign ‘Together! Stop Hate. Be a team.’ campaign. For example, as in previous years, players will wear warm-up shirts with the ‘Red against Racism’ logo, the three mascots Berni, Mia and Ben will also wear corresponding jerseys, while centre-circle banners, corner flags and captain's armbands as well as announcements in the Allianz Arena, at the FC Bayern Campus, the SAP Garden and BMW Park will further underline the commitment. The club's partners are also involved via LED boards.
In addition to the home match against FC St. Pauli at the Allianz Arena, there will be campaigns for the women's team in the Bundesliga against Leverkusen on 30 March, as well as for the basketball team in the Bundesliga against Rostock (22 March) and in the Euroleague against Partizan Belgrade (27 March). A ‘Red against Racism’ cap and keyring are now available in FC Bayern Stores and online, complementing the range with the popular ‘Red against Racism’ hoodie and shirt, the proceeds of which go to organisations that promote diversity.
The ‘Red against Racism’ initiative was founded at FC Bayern five years ago following racist incidents in German stadiums and the attack in Hanau, in order to make a lasting commitment to diversity. Since then, numerous projects have been organised to combat discrimination of all kinds, promote a culture of remembrance and promote inclusion. The guiding principle of the initiative is ‘Encounters’, because a sports club offers an environment in which people of all backgrounds can come together, overcome barriers and achieve something together.
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