Mondiali Antirazzisti 2013

This is a report and a couple of pictures sent it to us from a supporter who recently visited Mondiali Antirazzisti 2013, the annual anti-racist football world cup tournament held in Modena, Italy.

Hereford United Anti-Fascists sticker

“The festival, which attracted thousands of anti-racist activists, anti-fascist football fans, teams and Ultras groups from around the world, was a blinding success and a great show of international solidarity and anti-racism.

The weekend included a local guided tour about the Partisans who fought Mussolini and his fascist troops, talks and displays on anti-racism/fascism locally and around the world.

The main event was the 7-a-side football tournament, with over 150 teams taking part. There was also music from Italian anti-fascist legends, Los Fastidios and 99 Posse, lots of drinking, chanting and pyro displays from some of the Ultra groups.

Links were made with locals from Modena and Bologna Antifascists and some from other parts of Europe.

It was great to see such a large and diverse group of people come together for one common cause, to have fun and and to remind ourselves why we fight fascism – a really great show of our strength. ¡No pasarán!”

“Teen fined for tweet inciting racist chant at Cheltenham vs Hereford FA Cup game”

“A boy of 17 who used Twitter to encourage football fans to sing racist chants has been fined.

The teenager, from Ross-on-Wye, admitted a public order offence and was issued with the £80 fixed penalty notice by police on Friday.

Hereford United Anti-Fascists

Officers said they were taking action to prevent racist incidents at the Cheltenham Town v Hereford United match on Monday.

A large crowd is expected at the second round of the FA Cup at Whaddon Road.

Supt Rob Priddy, commander of the policing operation for the match, said: “Gloucestershire Police, supported by Cheltenham Town Football club, will do everything we can to identify any individuals or groups that engage in racist chanting.

“Where we have evidence to support an arrest we will do so and the individual risks not only a criminal prosecution but also a Football Banning Order, which would last for a minimum of three years.”

He added: “The vast majority of supporters that come to our games at Whaddon Road are able to enjoy themselves in a safe and respectful environment, but sadly there is a very small number whose behaviour is unacceptable and is not welcomed by the football clubs and genuine supporters.”

Original news article here

Three Counties Antifascists hope that other fans of both local clubs join us in condemning the disgusting racism spouted by this young man. Far-right groups have often used football grounds as areas for recruitment, and as a result we believe that supporter-led anti-racist initiatives are important.  We have good links with a number of Hereford United fans and we’re working on links with some Cheltenham fans. Lets kick racism out of football.