SPFL and SWPL celebrate football’s diversity to mark Show Racism the Red Card anniversary

The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL), Scottish Women’s Premier League (SWPL) and SPFL Trust proudly continue their support of Show Racism the Red Card, as it marks its 30th anniversary, by kicking off a week-long campaign focused on celebrating the rich mix of nationalities and backgrounds across the Leagues.

This activity is timed to support Black History Month and Show Racism the Red Card’s upcoming ‘Weekend of Action’ which will take place across SPFL and SWPL fixtures.

As part of the campaign the SPFL has compiled data on record appearance holders from across the 127 nations that have been represented in the league since its launch in 2013/14, which is made up of stars from across five continents, who will be celebrated on the league’s social media channels across the week.

The Scottish Women’s Premier League will highlight the 22 different nationalities that are represented across the 20 clubs currently playing in the ScottishPower Women’s Premier League (SPWPL) and SPWPL2. Alongside this, their activity will feature an interview with Glasgow City FC and South Africa star, Linda Motlhalo, who describes her career journey to date and her experiences of playing in Scotland.

The SPFL will showcase a feature focused on the African players who are part of one of Scotland’s most diverse dressing rooms at Dunfermline Athletic. Ugandan-born midfielder Allan Oyirwoth and Nigerian striker Olamilekan Adams discuss life living together in Fife with fellow teammate and flatmate Nurudeen Abdulai, their friendship with club star Alfons Amade – a Mozambique international – and how manager Neil Lennon has become like a father figure to them since moving to Scotland.

Allan said: “We live together the three of us – we live like brothers.

“Neil is a very great manager. He asks about your family and how everyone is doing- it’s great.”

And Olamilekan added: “[Neil] tries to make you laugh- make sure you’re okay. He treats everyone like his own son.”

And Allan, on loan from MLS side New England Revolution, talks about the thrill of playing against Argentinian icon Lionel Messi in the US last season.

He said: “Playing against Messi will live with me forever. Nobody can take that away from me. He must have dribbled past me four times!”

He added: “I want to be a legend at Dunfermline Athletic at 19 and help them get promotion. The fans have been amazing and I love it in Scotland.”

Neil Doncaster, SPFL group chief executive, said: “The SPFL and its member clubs have shown longstanding support of Show Racism the Red Card and the charity’s 30th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the progress made while recognising the work that remains.

“We are proud of the many nationalities and cultures that make Scottish football what it is.

With 127 nationalities represented across the SPFL’s four divisions, since the league launched, the game’s diversity and inclusive spirit are clear to see.

“The personal stories shared by Allan and Olamilekan about life at the club, living with Nurudeen and their friendship with Alfons are a powerful reminder of the positive impact an inclusive game can have and the value that diversity brings to Scottish football.”

Fiona McIntyre, SWPL managing director, said: “The SWPL is proud to have players from over 20 nations represented across our member clubs and playing in our Competitions.

“Having players like Linda tell us about their journey and how they came to be playing in Scotland is inspiring and shows the breadth of pathways and cultures our game offers.

“Football can break down barriers and we are proud to support Show Racism the Red Card’s 30th anniversary and continue to champion an inclusive game and society in Scotland.”

Content can be seen on SPFL, SWPL and SPFL Trust social channels across the rest of this week.