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PAOK’s Tyson joined his voice with Fenerbahce’s Fred in sending a resounding message against racism, on the occasion of the United Nations’ International Day of Tolerance.
On the occasion of the United Nations’ International Day of Tolerance on 16 November, PAOK’s Tyson and Fenerbahce’s Fred, who have been victims of racist abuse on the pitch, sent their own message against discrimination.
It was in 2019, while playing for Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine, that the Brazilian footballer from Dikefalo was sent off after reacting to racist abuse during a match against Dynamo Kyiv. “It was one of the most difficult moments of my life. My job is to fight, to be proud, to hold my head up. In a racist society, not being racist is not enough – we must be anti-racist.
I believe that we cannot remain silent when we are faced with something so big. I raise my fist to show responsibility and strength, being someone who fights for his ideals. Lots of kids send me pictures on social media doing the same thing. I am very happy that it is having such an impact.
As footballers we have a very strong voice. I will always fight for equality, not only for me, but also for young people, for their families. My parents always taught me to face my problems with my head held high. No matter the color of your skin, we are all equal”were Tyson’s words.
Tyson’s compatriot Brazilian Fred, who played alongside him at Shakhtar, also knows what it’s like to feel the brunt of racism, having experienced racial abuse while playing for Manchester United. “It’s terrible that it’s still happening in 2024, but what we can’t do is think that we’re always victims.
Football is very powerful. Everyone loves football, it reaches the whole world. Let’s keep fighting to eradicate racism: players sending this message reaches a lot of people. These efforts are also yielding progress.
Some people are a bit backwards and keep racism alive, but I think that, all together, as humans, we are moving in the right direction. I believe that in the near future we will no longer hear about racism – but until that happens, we must continue to fight, to be united and strong.”
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