ALBION’S Diversity Day celebrations have been hailed a major success after the Club’s inaugural event.
Saturday's Premier League fixture against Watford saw the Club salute and celebrate its diversity under the ‘Together We Are Albion’ banner.
Both supporters and officials alike lapped up the occasion in and outside The Hawthorns, with The Albion Foundation and its staff playing a key role in the activities and events.
Albion Chief Executive Martin Goodman said: “We think it was tremendous success and judging by the feedback we have had we are not alone in that.
“We’ve had positive reactions from our fans who were in the middle of the experience, as well as Premier League officials who were at the game looking on and seeing our Club at its best.
“I think it was a day which celebrated everything our Club stands for.”
The Fanzone adopted an international theme for the day while one of many highlights was the arrival on stage of Cyrille Regis, Brendon Batson and Rhodene Cunningham, niece of the late Laurie Cunningham.
And Cyrille was glowing in his praise for the event, with the Baggies legend insisting: “It was great to see all the different acts and dancers celebrating diversity.
“This Club was pivotal in really accepting black players and people of different race into football, so it’s poignant that we’re celebrating it on this day.”
Fans of both Albion and the Hornets enjoyed the pre-match atmosphere, which included acts such as Choy Lee Fut Lion and Dance Team and Sardara & Gurcharan's Dholl Blasters before Cyrille, Brendon and Rhodene took to the stage and later appeared pitchside as Fans’ Champions to present the matchball on the plinth.
Albion’s players donned Kick It Out t-shirts for the pre-match warm-up before emerging on to the pitch greeted by dholl drummers and flag bearers representing diverse supporter and community groups
Baggies supporter Andy Evans said: “I’ve been an Albion fan since 1981/82, when I was about 13. Meeting Batson and Regis has made my day, they’re two of my heroes.
“The game’s the game, but meeting them honestly made my day.”
Meanwhile, Watford fan Marcus added: “I heard the MC mention it was Diversity Day when the Drummers were on stage.
“It’s been really nice, we’ve enjoyed it a lot. We’ve had a burger and a drink, it’s great that the fans and everybody can mix.”