Excelsior player leads protest against racism in Holland by standing still for first minute

Excelsior striker Ahmad Mendes Moreira has led a new kind of protest against racism after being horrifically abused last weekend.

The Dutch player, alongside his team-mates and opposition players of FC Volendam, kicked off and then stood still for the first minute of the second-tier encounter.

All matches across the Dutch leagues are expected to follow the same protocol this weekend in solidarity with Moreira, who stormed off the pitch last weekend after suffering racial abuse against Den Bosch.

Excelsior supporters protested against racism, unveiling a banner: ‘Show Racism the Red Card’

Supporters at Friday night’s match at Excelsior’s stadium also unveiled banners, which read: ‘Show Racism the Red Card.’

Moreira’s club also unveiled the same message above the entrance to one of its main stands. 

Furthermore, the slogan ‘Racism? Then we don’t play football’ will be displayed on the scoreboards at every ground in Holland this weekend.

The Dutch Football Association, the KNVB, has confirmed the unplayed minute will be added on at the end of every fixture. 

Moreira placed his hands to his ears during last weekend’s game against Den Bosch

Last weekend, Moreira felt he was receiving racist abuse from supporters of opponents Den Bosch.  

The 24-year-old was consoled by his team-mates as he responded by walking off the pitch before later returning to score in the 3-3 draw.

Speaking after the game last weekend, the player expressed his sadness: ‘From the first minute all kinds of things were shouted at me and it hurts a lot.’ 

The Dutch FA are currently investigating the sickening chants that prompted the referee to briefly suspend the match. 

He had decided to leave the field of play after being subjected to racist chants from the stands