A series of soccer matches promoting the fight against racism recently took place across Ireland.

Sport Against Racism Ireland (Sari) co-ordinated the events under the banner of Fare Football People Action Weeks, believed to be the world’s largest sporting initiative against discrimination.

According to Sari, the matches brought together professional and amateur soccer players and fans on pitches throughout the country to celebrate diversity and promote the social inclusion of marginalised groups.

As part of this year’s event, Sari arranged for Airtricity League teams to play matches against their local direct provision centres or communities at risk of discrimination.

Teams including Dundalk FC, Drogheda United, Sligo Rovers, Galway United, Athlone Town, Limerick FC, UCD, St. Patrick’s Athletic, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers are showed their support for the initiative for the second year in a row by hosting matches.

Sari director and former Ireland manager Brian Kerr said the Fare Football People Action Weeks initiative “unites supporters, clubs, ethnic minorities and communities affected by discrimination in a concerted effort to make discrimination a thing of the past.

“This is the biggest nationwide initiative to tackle discrimination. From Bundoran to Baltinglass we are seeing phenomenal work being put in by clubs, schools and communities who are organising activities that are intended to connect and challenge discrimination there are still plenty of opportunities.”

Kerr also urged members of the public who would like to participate in future events or to show their support for the campaign on social media via the hashtag #FootballPeople.