PUBLICITY RELATIONS

Last updated : 11 February 2005 By Editor
After Gary Neville questioned Nike's motives for their involvement in the anti-
racism campaign on Wednesday night the masters of cheap labour have hit
back. Nike UK's corporate communications manager, Simon Charlesworth told the Press Association.

"The campaign isn't about publicity,"

"It's about racism, and the fact remains that there is racism in football.

"We've spoken with all the relevant bodies such as Kick It Out, and we've had their approval.

"Even Gary Neville's team-mate, Rio Ferdinand, has come down to London to
help with the campaign."

Charlesworth conceded that Neville was "entitled to his opinion".

"We can't stop him saying these things," he added.

However the Mirror reports today that Nike asked Wayne Rooney to hand out
black and white armbands to all the England players before kick off as part of the anti-racism campaign. This angered senior players who have contracts with other sports companies thus sparking the reaction from Gary Neville who also refused to wear a Nike top before United's match against Arsenal.