Watford defender Jordan Stewart has withdrawn his support for the 'Kick it Out' racism in football scheme.
Watford defender still determined to eradicate racism from football
Watford defender Jordan Stewart has withdrawn his support for the 'Kick it Out' racism in football scheme.
Stewart insists he is still passionate about the cause but no longer endorses the programme set up by the Professional Footballers' Association, after an incident went unpunished last season.
Newcastle midfielder Emre was cleared of an FA charge of racism towards Everton players, and Stewart feels it is important to take a tougher stance.
He told Watford's official website: "I do feel strongly about eradicating racism from football. I've been subjected to a few comments back in the day, but not so much recently.
"My friends (Everton defenders) Joleon Lescott and Joseph Yobo were involved in an incident last season where they had heard racist comments being made by an opposing player and reported it but nothing happened - that's why I don't wear my Kick it Out wristband anymore.
"People will always have their perceptions of others and there's not much you can do to change them.
"I respect people like Rio Ferdinand and Thierry Henry who have done a lot of work on removing racism from football.
"I don't think you should have a campaign running for the sake of it. If you're going to have a mission you have to carry it out from start to finish - not just wear a t-shirt."
