On a powerful day at St. James' Park, Newcastle United stars past and present came together to tackle discrimination head-on, as pupils from the Newcastle United Foundation's partner schools took part in immersive anti-racism workshops.
The full-day event, led by SRtRC Campaign Coordinator and former Academy player Richard Offiong, focused on the importance of challenging prejudice and promoting equality. But the real surprise came when a lineup of Magpies legends joined the session, turning a standard workshop into an unforgettable experience for the young attendees.
The day's highlight was a compelling panel discussion featuring first-team stars Joelinton and Yoane Wissa, alongside club icons Shola Ameobi and Olivier Bernard, as well as former Newcastle United Women's defender Charlotte Potts—a recent inductee into the SRtRC Hall of Fame. Each guest shared personal stories during an open Q&A with the pupils, offering raw and honest insights into their encounters with discrimination.
Wissa recalled his first experience with racism on the pitch: "It's something I witnessed at 20 years old, playing in a derby match, when someone started insulting me. The only answer I could give was to win the game, and that's what we did. Every time people are rude or try to bully, we should answer by saying it's not right and by being kind—teaching them how they should behave."
Joelinton opened up about a more recent incident: "I experienced racism three years ago through an online message after a match. It was a hard situation, but I know those comments don't represent everyone; they came from a person who doesn't know anything about my life. It still happens today, but it's not like it was years ago. It's a positive experience to speak to young people, like all of you, to make sure you can create a better future."
The event marks a significant milestone, as this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of Show Racism the Red Card (SRtRC), an organization founded in the North East with support from former Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop. Today, SRtRC stands as one of the UK's leading anti-racism education charities, reaching approximately 50,000 children and young people annually.
As Richard Offiong of SRtRC noted, the initiative brought together 127 pupils from across the region for a day of learning, reflection, and hope—a reminder that in football, as in life, the most powerful plays are often made off the pitch.