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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Reem Ahmed

The growing network of Welsh South Asian football fans redefining Cymru's Red Wall

As Wales takes part in its first World Cup in 64 years, a burgeoning network of Welsh fans is ensuring everyone can enjoy the beautiful game. Amar Cymru brings together south Asian football supporters from across the country to cheer on the national team - and in turn diversify the crowds at stadiums.

"Wales is a very diverse place, but yet, when we go to football matches, you don't have that fair reflection of the diverse communities in the stadium," said Jalal Goni, co-founder and head of the group. The 32-year-old, who is of Bangladeshi heritage, said there is a "stigma" around football matches among ethnic minority communities.

"Our dads have been to football matches in the 70s and 80s, where they have had racial abuse hurled at them, they've been spat at, discriminated against. They never wanted their kids to go through and deal with what they've been through," he said. "Amar Cymru is now a bridge to bringing new faces to football - especially Wales games. Wales games are very family friendly, they're very welcoming."

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