In the week when it was alleged that two underage players were racially abused in Meath, Show Racism the Red Card is to issue 25,000 cards carrying the anti-racism message which they want fans attending Sunday's All-Ireland final to wave when there is a score during the game. Show Racism the Red Card has teamed up with the Gaelic Players Association to highlight the issue of racism within the GAA. As part of their work they are going to issue 25,000 A6 size posters which have the 'Show Racism the Red Card' message boldly emblazoned on them. The Irish National Co-ordinator for the group, Garrett Mullan, is asking fans from all the competing counties to raise the posters as a sign of unity against racism every time there is a score during the first 15 minutes of the game on Sunday. "The purpose of the activity is to give fans the opportunity to voice their opinion on the issue, so that fans watching the All-Ireland can see that they are against racism," said Mullan. "We are asking people to give the red card to racism every time their team scores. We know that Kerry fans might not want to raise a red card, but we are asking them to give it a go." The campaign comes during a week when there was an allegation of racial abuse made in Meath. During a minor hurling game, it is claimed that two black players were subjected to racial abuse, with one of the players reacting in a physical manner which led him to be sent off. The Trim club brought the issue to light at a Hurling Promotion and Development Committee meeting last week with club delegate CJ Murtagh incensed at the abuse. "It's the first time that we have come across this and we believe that unless something is done about the problem now more incidents like this will follow," said Murtagh. "As hurling people we need to be in the front line in dealing with this problem which will get worse and clubs need to be notified, they need to know what is going on to deal with the issue. Some initiative needs to be taken and it has to come from the top." Talking about the incident in Meath, Garrett Mullan said that fans on Sunday can take the opportunity to show players that the vast majority of GAA people are not racist. "If the lads who have experienced racism (within the GAA) see fans holding up the cards, they will get encouragement that people within the organisation feel that racism is not right." Tweet

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