Here at Watford we believe that football is a game for everyone, and we are proud of the welcoming atmosphere that you create at The Vic on every matchday.
At Saturday’s match (October 28, 3pm KO), along with our visitors from Millwall, we’ll be marking the EFL’s Together Against Racism campaign. We are calling on you, our supporters, to make a difference and report any incidents of racism or discrimination you see or hear in the ground on Saturday and at all matches in the future.
‘Together’ perfectly complements our own ‘Watford Welcomes’ and ‘We Campaign’ strategies, and our ongoing commitment to maintain the Advanced Level of the Premier League Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Standard (PLEDIS), which the club received in January 2021.
The We Campaign has provided a clearer route for supporters to report incidents at our matches, which has led to over 100 reports being received since the campaign launched. However, during every season there are likely to be more incidents that go unrecorded.
Reporting discrimination helps remove unwanted behaviour from football stadiums, allows us to identify abusers and ensure victims get the support they need, creating a safer environment for everyone to attend football matches.
David McArdle, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the EFL, said: “While football has come a long way in recent years there is still much to be done, and throughout October and beyond we’re joining both clubs to call on supporters to be vigilant when they are attending every match and report any incidents they see or hear in stadiums or online.
“While incidents do get reported we also know there are many that don’t, and ‘Together Against Racism’ is about breaking down the barriers to reporting and educating supporters on why it is so important, highlighting the methods which are available to them and demonstrating how it helps the football authorities, both in the short and long term.”
Actions speak louder than words, and the issue of discrimination and abuse in football is something that should and will remain in sharp focus here at Watford.
We continue to encourage all incidents to be reported to us, preferably in real-time by using #buzzoff online, or please text We, followed by seat numbers and details, to 66777 straight away. The team will investigate and take action accordingly.
We prefer to receive reports in real-time, but if you prefer to send details after the match, please email wecampaign@watfordfc.com.
We will treat your message in the strictest confidence and take the necessary action against offending parties.
For more information about the club’s EDI work, please click HERE.
To read more about EFL Together Against Racism, click HERE.
