Crewe Alexandra player Omar Bogle recalls racist abuse at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium as the EFL relaunch their ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign this month

A footballer who received abuse at Gillingham’s Priestfield Stadium is spearheading the Football League’s ‘Together Against Racism’ campaign.

The EFL re-launched their campaign ahead of the weekend, encouraging players, managers, and fans – both in the stands and at home – to use their voices to drive change.

Between October 17-28, the campaign will focus on giving fans, players and managers a voice, learning about their experiences, hearing first-hand stories and showcasing how football is fighting to remove racism from our game.

The campaign was launched with a content film featuring former Newport County, now-Crewe Alexandra forward, Omar Bogle, speaking about his experience of being racially abused while playing for the Exiles away at Gillingham last season.

A 28-year-old spectator was charged with racially aggravated intentional harassment and admitted the offence after making monkey gestures.

He was ordered to pay Bogle £200 compensation, was placed on a 12-month community order and told to attend rehabilitation sessions. Gillingham FC were quick to dish out a lifetime ban after the incident happened.

Bogle – who scored twice in 2-0 win for Newport County in the match in October last year – said empowering people to use their voice around experiences of racial discrimination is the vehicle to drive change.

Bogle said: “Racism is still there, it is something that can’t be hidden and you can’t turn a blind eye to it. It is about bringing more awareness from...black people or whoever to come and speak, share your experiences and have a voice.

“By doing that, we need to let people know that together we must move away from the mindset that racism doesn’t exist.

“I’m comfortable telling my story on the basis that it’s