Today we encourage all fans at The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Stadium to join the club in our 'Sign Up Against Racism' day.

This club is at the heart of the local community and we have designated today's fixture as an anti-racism focus match. Today, we are sending a message to the community that Dagenham & Redbridge FC abhors all forms of racism, not just here on the terraces but in everyday life.

A series of key stakeholders have voiced their support with Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card, Hope not Hate and The Football League joining this football club in standing up against racism.

Before the game, both team managers will pledge their support by signing an anti-racism board, which has also been signed by players from both teams.

At half time, a number of our younger supporters will join the Chairmen of both clubs and other guests in adding their names and a number of volunteers will join you on the terraces to ask for your support.

We urge all you to sign the sheets to make a symbolic statement. Anyone unable to sign-up today can add their support by e-mailing signup@daggers.co.uk.

Sir Trevor Brooking said, "I'm delighted to pledge my support to the Daggers' Sign Up Against Racism Day. Having been raised in East London, I know only too well the power football can play in these parts to bind communities and send out a positive message of equality and diversity.

ITV pundit and Kick It Out ambassador, Robbie Earle, also sent his words of support by adding, "Football, like everything else, is currently experiencing some tough times. It's in precisely these periods that the game can really play a part in touching people from all backgrounds and communities. Dagenham & Redbridge FC is at the heart of its community and I fully support the Daggers Against Racism day."

Paul Elliott, ex-Chelsea captain and World Cup 2018 ambassador, commented: "Dagenham is a club with community ethos at its core. To see it use this position to such good effect serves as clarion call to clubs everywhere to focus on what's happening off the field of play, not just on it."

Ged Grebby, Chief Executive, Show Racism the Red Card, joined the plaudits: "Show Racism the Red Card are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to support the anti-racism game organised by Dagenham & Redbridge FC. SRtRC work with the club each season on an educational event for young people from local schools. Daggers players have always been able to come along to these events and answer questions on racism from the audience. The club are very community focussed, they have been extremely supportive of our campaign and this anti-racism themed fixture is another great way of Dagenham & Redbridge FC demonstrating that there is no place for racism in the community or in the stadium. Macclesfield Town have also worked with SRtRC in the past and the support of both teams for the message will have a great impact on the day."

Gavin Megaw, Director of External Affairs at The Football League, added: "The League is very proud of the work done by Dagenham & Redbridge Football Club at the heart of its community. We are delighted to be supporting the 'sign up against racism' day and I look forward to taking part in what will be a very special occasion on the 20th March."

Today, we welcome the players, directors and supporters of Macclesfield Town and hope that they have a safe journey home.

We also welcome our patron His Worship the Mayor of the L.B.Barking & Dagenham Cllr Charles Fairbrass MBE, the new Chairman designate for The Football League Mr Greg Clarke. Also in attendance is Chief Superintendent Matt Bell Borough Commander for Barking & Dagenham, Dagenham MP Jon Cruddas and Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Dagenham & Rainham, Simon Jones.

We are pleased to welcome from the Barking & Dagenham College a number of singers and dancers who will entertain us before the game and face painters, provided by the DABD, to help create an even greater occasion.

We thank everyone for their support today and hope you all have a great day and we look forward to seeing you back soon.

Steve Thompson
MD Dagenham & Redbridge FC