The Show Racism the Red Card group (whose aims are supported by the football club) have issued the following statement:

After all the excellent support given to Show Racism the Red Card and other anti-racist initiatives by Newcastle United Football Club, and the freely-given time and energy dedicated to our work by Newcastle United players past and present, we believe the signing of Lee Bowyer represents a significant step backwards by the club in this regard.

As a result of several incidents and reports, some predating the highly-publicised events in Leeds, Lee Bowyer’s name has become constantly, and with some justification, associated with racism, particularly anti-Asian racism. Lee Bowyer has been offered several opportunities to renounce racism; to our knowledge he has not taken any of them.

Even the most dedicated football fans – and, we believe, players, managers and club directors – understand that some things are bigger than football. Our belief is that a commitment to opposing racism is one of them.

Newcastle United Football Club has in the past demonstrated an awareness of the importance of a clear anti-racist stance, and of appealing to all section’s of Tyneside’s diverse community. The signing of Lee Bowyer threatens to jeopardise or at least blunt that message. 

Show Racism the Red Card calls on Newcastle United FC to re-affirm its commitment to anti-racism both on and off the field, and to step up its anti-racist activities.

We also call on Lee Bowyer to declare firmly, clearly and unequivocally his own support for Newcastle United FC’s opposition to all forms of racism.