Juventus president Andrea Agnelli spoke at UEFA’s Respect Diversity conference in Rome to condemn discrimination.
The Italian businessman also spoke about the value of football in promoting cohesion and the Bianconeri’s initiatives to encourage integration in the community.
“Discrimination is a complicated issue, we all know that it exists and needs changing but for many people it is difficult to know where to find the right solutions,” said Agnelli as reported by Juve’s official website.
“At Juventus, it is our ongoing pledge to focus on education as the key to tackling all forms of discrimination and promoting integration.”
“In June this year, we hosted a charity match against Real Madrid in the UNESCO cup with proceeds funding reintegration initiatives for child soldiers in Mali and the Central African Republic.
“They are provided with access to literacy programmes, professional training and participation in cultural, sporting and artistic events.
“By increasing their skills and intellectual involvement, we are helping to rebuild their confidence and hope of a better future.
“Anti-discrimination, integration and education.
“These can be regarded as the three building blocks of a happy society, especially in a world in which people are moving from country to country at an unprecedented rate for working, studying and living abroad.”
The Juventus president then compared Italy to the United Kingdom where he studied:
“For many decades now, the United Kingdom has witnessed very high levels of immigration, leading to a multicultural environment.”
“I noticed how it is completely normal for British people to walk down the street, even in smaller towns and see as many people of a different ethnicity as his or her own.
“This is the situation and most people are not concerned nor bothered by it.
“Italy is just waking up to this phenomenon of mass immigration.
“Of course, were for many years a land of emigrants, but this is the first time in our history that we are seeing such numbers of people arriving on our shores.
“The world has changed and Italy too is becoming more multicultural than ever before.”
Agnelli then addressed how professional football sides embody the spirit of multiculturalism and is well-equipped to tackle discrimination:
“Our teams and changing rooms have become multicultural workshops.”
“I only need to think of the Juventus line-up to count eight different nationalities that take to the field every weekend.
“When they put on the black and white stripes, our fans are not worried about where they come from.
“The international nature of the modern-day football club makes this sport the perfect means with which we can tackle racism.
“Unfortunately, we still hear chants in the football stadia, both in the form of racism and territorial discrimination between Italians.
“Why do we need to look at out differences with anger and aggression?
“If Italy can win World Cups by coming together as a nation, this country can excel in all walks of life when we treat each other equally and unite.
“Gioca con me’ levels the playing field by inviting children with strong academic performances, who, for social or economic reasons cannot afford to sign up for the Juventus football schools.
“By mixing children from very differend upbringing, we are breaking down dangerous prejudices motivated by class.
“Whereas before children would most likely select friends from the same social standing, we have seen friendships form irrespective of wealth and race.
“This, to mo, is education of the purest form.
“If we can open young people’s minds from a young age, they will grow up to become the responsible and respectful adults of tomorrow.
“These are the kind of people we also want to see at the Juventus Stadium, which already provides the best family atmosphere in Serie A.”
