Kick It Out has joined forces with West Bromwich Albion fans to display a banner of support for new striker Peter Odemwingie when they face Tottenham Hotspur at the Hawthorns this Saturday.
The Baggies faithful have reacted to a racist banner presented by a minority of supporters from the Nigeria international’s former club, Lokomotiv Moscow, in which a picture of a banana was placed prominently alongside the words ‘THANKS WEST BROM’.
The design of the Kick it Out banner can be seen below.
With the backing of the club itself, Albion supporters will unveil the banner, in which the Kick It Out logo and Odemwingie both feature, in the ground before the game.
Orchestrated by West Brom fan Martin Greenwood, the banner will then be unveiled in the Birmingham Road End as kick-off approaches.
“It is absolutely brilliant that the campaign has already gathered so much attention through so many mediums,” said Greenwood. “It’s true testament to the standards and principles of the English game, and its fans.
"The idea has attracted interest and gathered support from football fans all over the country, who have decided to put club rivalry to one side, and show their unified support of the message we are giving, which is again a credit to all involved.
“There is simply no place for racism in the modern game, and it is pleasing that so many people have the same opinion. West Bromwich Albion has always been famous for it's multi-cultural image, both in terms of players and supporters.
"To see messages coming from Lokomotiv fans that were the sort of messages hurled towards black players over here in the 70's just shows how developed we are as a footballing nation.”
Lord Herman Ouseley, chair and founder of Kick It Out, commended the initiative shown by Albion’s support: “We praise this fan-led movement and the response of West Brom supporters.
"It demonstrates that activity at this organic level can have a massive impact, and remind fans to remain vigilant and alert to the problems the game faces in some parts of Europe.”
Albion goalscoring legend Cyrille Regis commented: “Peter has come to the right club and will be judged on his football ability alone.”
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