Portsmouth FC fans to pilot new Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp services to tackle racism and discrimination

POMPEY are joining up with Facebook and anti-hate group Kick It Out to launch a new messenger service so fans can report ugly behaviour spoiling the beautiful game.
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The club, alongside Derby County and England’s national teams, will be piloting the Take A Stand scheme, which comprises online tools to help fans report discriminatory behavior.

Fans can add 07432 140 310 to their WhatsApp contacts and message ‘hi’ to be sent a menu of educational content and resources from Kick it Out, The FA, HOPE Not Hate and other footballing partners.

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When it is safe for crowds to return to stadiums, Facebook will launch a new automated service on Messenger so that match attendees can more easily report discriminatory behavior, which will then be flagged with the club’s charity Pompey in the Community.

Pompey fans at Fratton Park Picture: PinPep MediaPompey fans at Fratton Park Picture: PinPep Media
Pompey fans at Fratton Park Picture: PinPep Media
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Before the national lockdown, reports of discriminatory behaviour were ‘a regular occurrence,’ according to the charity’s CEO Clare Martin.

She said: ‘The first port of call is that we will refer them to Pompey In The Community and work with them to help them understand the consequences of their actions.

‘The whole ethos of the club is education rather than punishment.

Clare MartinClare Martin
Clare Martin
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‘This isn’t a short-term change – it’s going to take years.’

Kick It Out approached Pompey to trials its latest project as the club has undertaken a range of work to tackle discriminatory behaviour, according to Clare.

The CEO added: ‘We have a full-time equality, diversity, and inclusion manager who encourages everybody to come along to the stadium.

‘We have had instances in the past where young fans have used racial slurs against players on social media, and rather than throwing the book at them – which could be very serious – they are introduced to our inclusion manager and it’s much more positive.

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‘And we were one of the first clubs to get the Football League Equality Standard.’

Over the last five years, a total of six Pompey fans have been arrested due to incidents of racism, in comparison to Manchester United which saw 27 similar arrests across four seasons.

The Take A Stand campaign will be promoted across the club’s social media, on matchday promotional material, and as part of free football sessions offered to young people across the city.

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