United’s director of football David Holdsworth revealed this evening that he has spent much of the last 48-hours talking to friends and colleagues about the importance of standing together, and of sending a unified message, through what are troubled times.
“As football clubs at all levels we are being faced with an unprecedented set of circumstances with the Coronavirus, and we have seen how hard everyone has had to work to even try to get some kind of consensus and a way forward with that,” he said.
“Alongside that, the last few days have highlighted once again the serious issues of racism and inequality, and it amazes me that in 2020 we are still seeing so many examples of it in our everyday lives.
“In football, with Kick it Out, Show Racism the Red Card and other community initiatives, we are working actively to educate and engage and hopefully, by doing that, eventually incidents of racism and harassment are something we will completely eradicate.
“But footage of the kind we’re seeing on our news channels at the moment serves as a reminder that society has a long way to go, and we shouldn’t ignore that.
“That’s why I felt it was important tonight to reinforce the message that Carlisle United is a football club that stands on community and togetherness, and we’re proud of the work we do when it comes to diversity and equality issues.
“Our Community Sports Trust is at the forefront of the programmes and sessions we deliver, and they are backed up fantastically by the football department, the players and the club staff.
“We are very proud to be a club that leads the way and that we have a fanbase that feels the same way as we do.
“Racist behaviour is unacceptable, it’s as simple as that, and it’s a message we will continue to reinforce and share.
“The chairman, myself and everyone at the club are proud that we have embraced and protected everyone over the years, from all ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, and we are determined that those connected with Carlisle United will continue to do so.
“I, we … all of us … are a family and part of a community that breeds Respect and Equality.“