One Game, One Family

Valeriu Nicolae saw a banner at a Romanian football match that read "Gypsies -- Die".
He was sickened and decided to start a campaign to try and stop - not just racism in football - but also to alter perceptions about his fellow Romanies. He realised that football and its values of unity were a powerful ally in his struggle. He enlisted the support of European politicians and former players to organise anti-racist awareness games and rallies. Momentum for Valeriu's projects increased until legislation was introduced that banned identified racists from football matches. However, his struggle experienced the inevitable growing pains. When top club Steaua Bucharest was banned temporarily for breaching new anti-racist regulations, Valeriu Nicolae was blamed for the sanction and became a public hate figure overnight. However, he is gradually winning his battle. Attitudes are changing and racist chants have decreased. Three years ago, Valeriu had an annual project budget of €500. With the aid of the Romanian Football Federation, this has risen to €100,000 in the last year alone.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• gypsy
• romania
• football
• soccer
• racism

[LoljaBernalJohnson]

You are like a plague, man

[hairbear07]

Do you include Banel Nicolita, currently playing for your national team in Euro 2008?