Chelsea boss backs club’s campaign to tackle anti-Semitism
Antonio Conte gives his backing as Premier League champions set to launch initiative ahead of tonight's game against Bournemouth
Chelsea Football Club will tonight officially launch the start of their campaign to tackle anti-Semitism in football.
The initiative is supported by the club’s owner, Roman Abramovich – who discusses the issue in a special foreword in tonight’s matchday programme – and forms part of the club’s ongoing inclusion work, through their Building Bridges campaign.
Having first announced the project two weeks ago a ‘Say No To Antisemitism’ banner will be unveiled on the pitch prior to tonight’s kick-off, while fans will be offered a free ‘Building Bridges’ phone wallet upon arrival. A picture montage featuring players, fans, staff, high-profile individuals from across the Jewish community and antisemitism campaigners from around the world supporting the initiative will be shown on the big screens. Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis is also set to be at Stamford Bridge tonight.
Tonight’s Premier League match with Bournemouth marks the start of our campaign to tackle antisemitism in football. #SayNoToAntisemitism pic.twitter.com/pOt8nBrvsp
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) 31 January 2018
Talking about the initiative, Conte said: “Tonight the club is launching a new campaign to raise awareness of antisemitism in football.
“This is a very serious issue, not only in the sport, but also in society, and it is important that we all reject discrimination of any kind. Football is loved by people from every different background, and we are very proud to welcome everybody to Chelsea.”
As part of the build-up to tonight’s launch the manager, players and coaching staff also welcomed Holocaust survivor Harry Spiro BEM to Cobham to share the story of his experiences.
Bournemouth chairman Jeff Mostyn, has also pledged support for the campaign, saying: “We are proud to support Chelsea’s campaign to raise awareness of and educate people about anti-Semitism.
“Our club moto is “Together, Anything is Possible” and we work hard in the community to consistently deliver a message of diversity, equality and inclusion. We believe that football is for all and people from every walk of life should feel safe and comfortable attending matches.
“This is an excellent initiative and, as part of the Jewish community, I am proud that Chelsea’s campaign is being launched today for our visit to Stamford Bridge.”
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