Mansfield Town footballers have teamed up with police to help kick hate out of communities.

The Stags showcased their support for Nottinghamshire Police’s hate crime campaign at their training ground.

Take aim at hate was launched by the force last year to raise awareness around what a hate crime is, the work the police and its partners are doing to tackle it, and the support that exists for victims.

Last year the Stags joined Nottingham Forest and Notts County in agreeing to work with the police to deal with hate that occurs at football matches.

As part of this, a joint approach was agreed with the three football clubs about how hate offences are identified, reported, investigated, and resolved.

This work led to 14 hate crime incidents being reported to police at matches involving the clubs in the past year, with two leading to convictions.

Nottinghamshire Police and Mansfield Town raised awareness of the campaign as part of the national Hate Crime Awareness Week in October.

Chief Inspector James Walker, Nottinghamshire Police’s hate crime lead, said: “This type of behaviour has absolutely no place inside or outside football stadiums because of the destructive impact it can have on people’s lives, and we would always encourage anyone who experiences, witnesses, or hears it to report it to the police immediately.”

Mansfield Town club captain Ollie Clarke said: “Hate crime has no place in football, in the street, online, or in wider society.

“The club promotes inclusion and works actively across Mansfield in championing equality and fairness.

“The club fully supports Nottinghamshire Police’s hate crime campaign and as a squad we reiterate our stance against discrimination and unfair behaviour.”

Anyone wishing to report a hate crime can call 999 in an emergency, 101 for non-emergencies, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or at www.report-it.org.uk