Club Brugge introduces QR codes to report racism during football matches

Every sport is plagued by racism, and football is far from an exception. In an attempt to reduce racism during matches, Belgian champion Club Brugge will place 24 000 QR codes around its home stadium, Jan Breydel, in Bruges. Fans will be able to scan the codes in case they want to report racist or other discriminatory behaviour.

The QR codes are introduced as part of the "#NIETMETONS" campaign (Not With Us) against racism. The security team in Jan Breydel will keep an eye on the notifications during games. In addition, Club Brugge will field so called NMO-stewards, employees that are specifically trained to detect and handle racist behaviour. Fans will be able to recognize these stewards by their black vests.

Individuals whose behaviour is proven to be discriminatory, either by multiple QR reports or by stewards, will be punished with stadium bans starting from two years. 

"The past has shown that behavioural change through campaigns does not have (sufficient) effect. Many fans indicate that they no longer want to be associated with this behaviour, that they've had enough", says Club Brugge. "That's the way we look at it: if you are racist, you are not part of our family, you are not with us."

(TOM)

© BELGA PHOTO BRUNO FAHY - Club Brugge's players celebrate after scoring against KRC Genk.