A local band will celebrate Leyton Orient as an anti-racist football club with a free gig on Saturday night.
Lawrence Ross, guitarist with headline band Steve White & the Protest Family, says he is proud of the work the club does in the community working with people from all backgrounds, but believes there is more fans could do to welcome people from ethnic minorities.
Mr Ross, 52, of Melbourne Road in Walthamstow, said: “The Leyton Orient crowd is mainly white in an area that’s very mixed. It’s not as in proportion as it could be. We are open to everybody.”
Mr Ross, who has been an O’s fan since the 80s, said there had been problems with racism in the past at the club, but that it was not such an issue these days and he wants to keep it that way.
He added: “It’s something that’s important to us.”
Mr Ross said there has been a lot of interest in the event.
He said: “I hope they’ll have some fun and they’ll have a celebration and they might be made to think a bit."
Steve White & the Protest Family will be supported by local singer Graham Larkbey at the Leyton Orient Supporter’s Club in Oliver Road, Leyton from 8pm.
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