Grant Ward has thrown his support behind the EFL’s Together Against Racism Campaign.
Running until October 28 2024, the Together Against Racism campaign brings players, fans and coaches together to proudly showcase how football is united in the fight to remove racism from the game.
Bristol Rovers’ Sky Bet League One clash with Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday evening will see the Club reiterate that there is no room for racism at The Memorial Stadium, or indeed across football, and the collective voices of everyone involved in the sport can be a powerful tool for change.
Midfielder Ward said that the entire squad at Bristol Rovers stand together resolutely in the fight against racism.
“The match against Shrewsbury is a big one for us on the pitch, but equally as important is our support of the EFL’s Together Against Racism campaign,” Ward said.
“It is sad to say, but still in 2024 we hear stories of discrimination and racist actions at football matches, and that’s only the incidents that are reported.
“We’ve all heard something at a football match that we wish we didn’t, and I don’t think I can overemphasise how much those things can knock or affect a player.
“Tuesday’s game is a chance for us all to reiterate our stance that racism should never be acceptable in football and that we are all driving to see change.”
Ward’s drive to bring people together sees the 29-year-old continue on as the Bristol Rovers Community Trust’s player ambassador for inclusion for the 2024/25 campaign.
The midfielder also held the position last season and has seen first-hand the work being done across all facets of the Club to bring positive change.
“I have been at Rovers for almost two years and it is such a positive to see how the Club actively stands against racism, whether that’s through education or, if required, sanctions,” he added.
“With my role with the Community Trust too, I get to be a part of the positive work being done to ensure everyone in our community feels welcome and safe at any Bristol Rovers match they attend.
“Supporting campaigns like this one are another effective vehicle in reminding us all that any form of discrimination is not okay, and I would encourage anyone who attends a match that hears racist or discriminatory language to use their voice, report it, and show that we stand together against racism.”
