Former Hibs winger recalls racial abuse as he reveals how Show Racism the Red Card charity can help young people

A former Hibs winger has opened up on the racial abuse he was subjected to during his career that prompted him to join forces with education charity Show Racism the Red Card.

Hibs striker Christian Doidge shows his support for Show Racism the Red Card

Michael Weir, who won the Skol Cup with Hibs in 1991, spent most of his career in Scotland but had two loan spells in England; one with Luton Town in 1987 and the other with Millwall in 1996.

During his stint at The Den the diminutive winger was in a minority ethnic group and as a result was targeted by bullies and abused for being Scottish.

That experience prompted Weir to devote time after hanging up his boots to supporting the Show Racism the Red Card charity in a bid to empower young people to never give up.

The Evening News sport columnist believes straight-talking around the issue of discrimination is the best way of stopping abusive behaviour and comments.

Weir said: “It is not easy but young people need to be really determined and just keep going no matter how hard it gets; you’ve got to get over every hurdle.

"There is no reason that youngsters can’t go on and live the dream, no matter how hard it gets. Just keep on going and keep believing.”

The former Easter Road favourite is taking part in a virtual event at Ross High School in Tranent on March 2 and 3 to support the school's diversity and inclusion programme, and will be drawing on his own experiences of thriving in the face of adversity.

Weir believes it is vital that young people realise anyone can be a victim of discrimination because of ethnic background or nationality, which is why he throws his support behind the SRTRC charity in a bid to engage youngsters and empower them to make positive choices.

He added: “We must challenge racism. It is hugely damaging behaviour. I heard the abuse thrown at black players when I played in England, and it was not acceptable.

"We can’t have this hatred of people for their colour of skin, religion or whatever.”

Jordan Allison, Scotland’s Campaign manager for Show Racism the Red Card, said: “Workshops with Show Racism the Red Card combine engaging activities and thought-provoking discussion points to help young people prepare to play an active role as citizens in an increasingly multicultural society.

"The aim is creating safe and inclusive classrooms. High-profile footballers are committed to working with schoolchildren to achieve this vision which in turn can inform future generations about the causes and consequences of racism, exploring the many forms it takes throughout society."

As part of the workshops, a number of t-shirts promoting the charity and its values that have been worn and signed by prominent Scottish Premiership players will be offered as prizes to the pupils who make the most positive contributions during the sessions.

Ross High head teacher Paul Reynolds believes the workshops will be vital in helping his pupils to further develop their own character in positive and inclusive ways.

He added: “I am personally thrilled to be working with Show Racism the Red Card. These workshops will support the school’s work in tackling racism and help to further embed the school’s values of Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, and Positivity.”

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