Cambridge United fan hopes anti-racism campaign leaves supporters not 'on edge'
It's hoped more fans from diverse backgrounds are better represented
A black Cambridge United supporter has said he sometimes feels "on edge" while at football matches because of his background.
Kwami Canacoo is working with the club to create a supporters' group to get more fans from backgrounds such as black, Asian and ethnic minorities better represented at home games.
The 26-year-old, who's been following the U's for 14 years, has not experienced severe racist abuse while at a game, but has been made to feel uncomfortable at times.
"They don't really know how to act"
"Being one of the few black fans in the crowd, it's an internal thing that I'm very conscious of," he said.
"I think because football has a bit of a reputation at certain clubs, you hear lots of different stories and you are on edge, prepared if something does happen or if something is said."
"It might be naivety and feeling uncomfortable because maybe they don't have many black or ethnically diverse people in their circles, so it's new to them, they feel 'I need to talk to this person in a different way' and they don't really know how to act."
Kwami is due to be at the Cledara Abbey Stadium when Cambridge take on Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One today.
The club will highlight the EFL's Together Against Racism at the match, which aims to showcase how football is trying to remove racism from the game by giving fans, players and managers a chance to talk about their experiences.
"It's important to shed a light"
Kwami believes at some games, "you still feel like you stick out a bit like a sore thumb" due to his background.
He hopes that his campaign will help make the club aligned with the diversity of people within the wider city.
“I haven’t experienced any overt racism at games myself, but there are more subtle microaggressions which I have experienced, and it’s important to shed a light on it and make people aware of it," he added.
"The club can use the supporters group as a sounding board when taking actions to deal with any incidents that might occur, to let them know they are welcome at Cambridge United.
"The way to do it is to try and get as many people interested, which I think will be the hardest thing, to figure out how to move forward."
Kwami plans to set up the supporters' group in the new year.