Former Newcastle United star John Beresford says the key to tackling racist abuse starts at schools in the North-East - and getting the message out early.
Beresford, who has been an ambassador for the charity Show Racism the Red Card since its inception 27 years ago, spoke to children from Our Lady St Anne's Catholic Primary School, Atkinson Road Primary Academy and Westgate Hill Primary Academy at a workshop at St James' Park. But he says the fight against racism must continue and warned society's "idiots" will always try to spoil the party.
In a week that has resulted in Joelinton coming out and speaking about abuse he received after the Arsenal game with his team-mate Vinicius Junior also enduring hate in La Liga, incidents are ongoing, Vinicius Junior stated that there is an "unpleasant surprise" at every ground he goes to in Spain.
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Beresford told Chronicle Live: "It's a knock on effect, it's been going on a long time now. There's always going to be situations are going to arise.
"When we went around the schools the other day it came after Vinicius Junior. We've since had Joelinton talking about abuse he received. It is going on, here, there and everywhere. In the UK it is getting better, a lot of it now is social media, where people are hiding behind it.
"I don't think you get it at football grounds now. It's nowhere near like it is in Spain or eastern Europe. I think we target it very well here. "If people see it or hear it, it gets pointed out."
Beresford was awarded an MBE for his services to fighting the cause but insists it is all about educating children from an early age. Beresford said: "When I turn up to these events when you can get to youngsters, it makes a massive difference. I've been doing this year in, year out now.
"We actually say to the children 'Have you heard any comments?' and we know it is getting less and less. We know we have a long way to go, but it's getting better.
"Sometimes we have to pat Show Racism the Red Card on the back. Not big ourselves up, because you are always going to get ignorant and stupid people."
But he says that the fight must continue as some people seemingly will never get the message. The popular former Toon full-back said: "You will never eradicate it 100%. Your aim is to do that. But it is human nature. There are idiots in life and for whatever reason can't see sense. So if you target the youngsters it helps to get the message to them early."
Steve Beharall, Newcastle United Foundation CEO, said: "As a Foundation, we are truly committed to creating a culture and space where everyone in our community feels safe, valued and able to explore their potential.
"Activities such as our United As One programme delivered in schools is key to introducing young people to important conversations around diversity, equality and inclusion. We are proud to host educational events alongside Show Racism the Red Card that are hugely beneficial to engaging young people by using the power of football. "We would like to thank them for such an inspirational event at St. James’ Park.
Show Racism the Red Card is an anti-racism educational charity aiming to combat racism through enabling role models, including footballers, to present an anti-racist message particularly to younger generations.
Ged Grebby, Chief Executive at Show Racism the Red Card, said: “Show Racism the Red Card were established by Shaka Hislop during his time as a Newcastle United goalkeeper in January 1996. For us, this event is a great way to end the 2022/23 season, coming back home to the football club where the campaign began.
"Two of the players who were instrumental in getting us started – Steve Howey and John Beresford MBE – attending this event have been outstanding supporters for 27 years. We have now passed the milestone of engaging one million people in our educational programme, but we still have a long way to go in the fight against racism."
