Representatives from Show Racism the Red Card praised football clubs for backing the anti-racism drive. Education worker Laura Pitcock said: “We work tirelessly to get rid of racist beliefs and we stand behind the UAF to combat the EDL.” She added: “We need to go out and show them Newcastle enjoys being a multi-cultural city.” Steve Simmons, from the EDL, said: “The only concern we have is the UAF – they pop up wherever we go. We have Sikhs and Hindus and mixed race people. The central bombardment of ‘Nazi scum off our streets’ is wearing a bit thin now.” A police spokeswoman said: “It is important people know that as a police force we have no powers to ban a static assembly or protest that is arranged for a peaceful purpose. “We act in a neutral capacity in such matters, respect the right to peacefully protest and have a duty to facilitate this right. “However, our role is also to protect, reassure and support our communities. Where people act in a criminal manner they will be identified and dealt with. “We are working closely with the organisers of all events and have emphasised to them it is their responsibility to ensure those involved act in a peaceful way. We will only intervene if this is not the case. They have responded very positively to this approach.”
The Chroniclelive
