Rivals on the pitch, united against racism

Show Racism the Red Card Cymru has backed this coordinated effort, and fan organisations from both Clubs have joined forces to

reaffirm their commitment to opposing racism and prejudice.

Along with Swansea City Supporters Trust, Disabled Supporters Association, and the Jacks against Racism and Fascism organisations,

Cardiff City Supporters Club, Cardiff City Disabled Supporters Association, and Cardiff City Supporters Trust participated in the process.

Representative fans from both Cardiff City and Swansea City will take to the field before kick-off on Saturday displaying a banner with

the campaign’s clear and emphatic message: ‘Rivals on the Pitch, United Against Racism’.

Cardiff City Supporters Trust Member, Anne Wood, said ahead of the game: “However passionate the rivalry is, let’s

remember today that our players deserve to be applauded, whatever the colour of their skin, identity or background is.

“Racism & discrimination has no part in our beautiful game. YOU can play your part in making sure that as fans we recognise this and

where we lead, others will follow.”

Illan Meslier reveals why stayed at Leeds United despite summer transfer offers

Illan Meslier was re-established himself as Leeds United number one this season after a return to form

Illan Meslier insists the guilt of Leeds United’s Premier League relegation was why he so keen to stay at Elland Road this summer.

After struggling for form and traction in the Whites fold last season, Meslier was one of those expected to leave West Yorkshire by

many this summer in favour of pastures new.

The Frenchman was linked with a move back to the top flight with Chelsea one club rumoured to be interested in his signature at the

start of the transfer window. According to the club’s chief executive Angus Kinnear in last week’s interview with The Square Ball, he

did have opportunities to leave, too, with the club fielding an offer of over £20m.

Unlike some of last season’s teammates, though, Meslier felt the best course of action for him was to stick around with the Whites and

redeem himself by helping the club bounce back from relegation under the guidance of Daniel Farke.

“Sometimes it is difficult to leave when the club is going down,” Meslier told the Leeds United official podcast. “Of course inside you

feel guilty because I played most of the games and unfortunately the results were not good.

“Also, it wasn’t good for me maybe to leave and just leave the club in the second division. You go somewhere to play and see them in

the middle of the table in the second division, you think ‘oh no’, you contribute to this result.