Leeds United will dedicate the Sky Bet Championship fixture against Derby County on Saturday to Kick It Out and the work they do in trying to kick racism and discrimination out of football.

In light of recent events, the club made the decision to bring forward its dedicated matchday in order to help educate supporters on the work being done to tackle discrimination by Kick It Out – the organisation at the heart of the drive to towards equality, inclusion and cohesion for everyone who plays, watches or works in football.

For the 2019/20 season they have launched a campaign called the #KickItOutGeneration for every person that wants football to be more inclusive.

During a number of events held to mark Kick It Out’s 25th anniversary last year, thousands of people spoke about how much football meant to them and how the drive to eliminate discrimination is bringing hope to those who want to participate in the game but may be too afraid to deal with the scrutiny and pressures that can come with it.

Since its inception, the organisation has provided a clear, independent voice within the game to challenge discrimination and exclusion, as well as offering education for professional players, clubs, fans, grassroots organisations and beyond. They also provide mentoring and guidance to help underrepresented groups participate in football and secure opportunities to develop a career in the game.

Despite progress being made over the last 26 years through the work of Kick It Out, there is still plenty of work to be done in educating fans and supporting people who have been affected by any form of discrimination within the game, which has been highlighted over the last few weeks. 

Leeds United are committed to providing a safe and friendly environment for every supporter, and the club adopts a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of racism, homophobia, anti-social behaviour or discrimination.

You can report discrimination to Kick It Out via their app, via email on report@kickitout.org, via the online reporting form on their website here or via freephone on 0800 169 9414.

If you notice any form of offensive behaviour, language or chanting before, during or after a match at Elland Road, please send a message to 07887514789 along with the stand you are in, row number, seat number, description of the offender and details around the incident.