Gary Bennett labels Reform's decision to withdraw support of anti-racism charity as a huge step backwards
“I think it’s an important charity, not just for the city of Sunderland, but the whole country”
Sunderland AFC legend Gary Bennett has labelled Reform led Sunderland City Council’s decision to withdraw support for Show Racism the Red Card as a “huge step backwards”.
Gary, who made more than 400 appearances for the Black Cats, has been a supporter of the charity since it founded 30 years ago and regularly visits schools as part of the charity’s education programme.
During a city council meeting, Reform councillor and council leader Chris Eynon confirmed the council will not be supporting the charity, accusing the charity’s CEO Ged Grebby of being politically biased against Reform.
Responding to the decision, Gary said: “I was shocked when I saw the news, and the question for me is what are the reasons behind it? Show Racism the Red Card has been going for over 30 years and has been well supported by Sunderland AFC. I think it’s an important charity, not just for the city of Sunderland, but the whole country.
“It’s a huge step backwards, especially for the charity. The funding is going to stop and so we will have to look elsewhere. The football club has always been behind the charity and the team now has at least a dozen different nationalities with players from different ethnic backgrounds and religions, and so this decision from the council just sends out the wrong message.”
Show Racism the Red Card’s Wear it Red day is due to take place on October 16 when the city’s iconic landmarks would normally be lit up red.
Gary has still not given up hope the city’s Reform-led council will reverse the decision.
He said: “It would be great if we can sit down with councillors and have a chat about this decision and find out the exact reasons why. Since I’ve been in Sunderland the charity has done a lot of great work in changing people’s attitudes.
“Education is key as racism is something which can affect anyone.”
Cllr Eynon stressed the decision to withdraw support “should not be interpreted as the Council stepping back from its opposition to racism or discrimination”.