Manchester United launch ‘See Red’ anti-racism campaign with emotional video

Premier League club have seen a number of their players racially abused in recent months

Manchester United highlighted the importance of diversity to the club’s history (@ManUtd via Twitter)

Manchester United have launched a campaign titled See Red in order to help battle racism and discrimination in football.

The last few months have seen a number of incidents of racial abuse towards footballers, with several of United’s frequently targeted, including midfielder Fred.

United have run the All Red All Equal anti-discrimination programme since 2016, with the Old Trafford club now encouraging their supporters to “see red” when such abuse occurs online.

United have set up an online reporting system and are asking fans to report incidents of racism and other hate crimes and speak out when there is discriminatory abuse.

Group managing director Richard Arnold said: “We are proud that players of all ethnicities, religions and nationalities have pulled on the Manchester United jersey over the years.

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“We challenge our fans, and indeed fans of every club, to watch this and think about their own favourite memories, their top teams and their most celebrated players.

“How different would those memories be without the diversity of some of the best players in the world who have graced our game and our club?

“Sadly, footballers across the country continue to receive abuse online, seemingly without fear of censure.

“United has been, and always will be, a club for all. We do not believe real fans are racist and today, we call on those fans to join us in the battle against discrimination.

“It is not good enough for us all to sit silently on the sidelines when we see or read racist remarks or behaviour.

“Inaction has a consequence. We must call it out. We must not tolerate it. If you see it or read it – report it.”

United’s reporting system can be used to report online abuse, with the club saying it will work with “the Premier League to escalate any complaints received to the social media platforms and the relevant authorities and calls on the social platforms to act with urgent and tough action against online racists”.

The seats wraps at Old Trafford have been replaced ahead of Sunday’s match against Brighton as part of the launch of See Red, which includes a thought-provoking video about diversity and history.

Earlier this week, Premier League rivals Arsenal launched an action plan called #StopOnlineAbuse as part of the club’s Arsenal for Everyone programme.

PA