Bohemians to donate jersey profits to MASI End Direct Provision campaign

Bohemians have announced the decision to donate 100% of profits made from their ‘Refugees Welcome’ away jersey until next Thursday to the Movement of Asylum Seekers Ireland (MASI).

“While our supporter-led initiative to bring Direct Provision residents to games will continue when the easing of COVID-19 restrictions allows it to, we feel the current pandemic has further exposed the inequality of the system,” the club revealed in a statement.

“As a club, we want to do more to show solidarity and help efforts to effect change that impacts the lives of people who have become friends and fellow supporters of our club. All profits until midnight Thursday June 18 will go directly to MASI.

“The issue of racial prejudice and inequality across the globe has come under the spotlight in recent weeks after the killing of George Floyd by police in the United States and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests worldwide.

“Ireland is not immune to racial prejudice. For 20 years, the state’s system of Direct Provision has impinged on the civil rights of people coming to these shores seeking asylum.

“The United Nations and international human rights organisations have highlighted how the system can leave vulnerable people in limbo for years on end while often living in inhumane conditions.”

MASI activist Lucky Khambule added: “We are proud to once again work with Bohemian Football Club who have been great friends and supporters of MASI and our work for many years now.

“I would like to thank the club, its members and supporters for the solidarity they have consistently demonstrated through both words and concrete action.”

Regarding the jerseys, adult sizes cost €60 while children sizes cost €50, with the club asking for the allowance of three weeks delivery time. For more information on Amnesty International’s campaigns to end Direct Provision, please visit here and here.