Show Racism the Red Card in Wales given £472k by Big Lottery Fund

Robert Earnshaw says he has encountered racist abuse in a number of countries

A project using footballers to educate young people and teachers against racism has been given a £472,023 lottery boost.

The Big Lottery Fund's People and Places money will allow Show Racism the Red Card to expand its work in Wales.

It is backed by Wales and Cardiff City striker Robert Earnshaw, who said he had been abused in most countries he had visited.

The award comes as racism in football continues to grab headlines.

Issues over racism have not been far away from the front pages recently.

Manchester City have complained to Uefa about alleged racial abuse suffered by some of players when they played Porto in Portugal on Thursday.

Swansea City players Nathan Dyer and Neil Taylor recently joined Earnshaw as patrons of Show Racism the Red Card.

Earnshaw said: "I've been involved with the project for a while now and I'm glad to be part of it.

"Kids only learn from what the adults teach them, so it's important that we teach as many as we can that there's no room for racism in football or society."

The player said he had personal experience of abuse.

"I've encountered abuse in most countries I've visited whether that's Serbia, Montenegro, Italy or Spain.

"We probably do more to tackle racism here than most other countries but it's important for organisations like Show Racism the Red Card to spread the word that it's not acceptable.

"There's still more work to be done, even in Wales."

Sunil Patel, a campaign manager with the project, said: "It will enable us to expand our activities and broaden our remit through educating young people and adults."

Mario Balotelli has complained about chants during Man City's game against Porto

The issue of racism continues to attract attention.

After Manchester City's Europa League game against Porto the club revealed that player Mario Balotelli had complained to officials about chants from the stands.

The club announced on Friday that they have lodged an official complaint about the incident to European football's governing body Uefa.