Marcus Graham gets a flag for celeb side: Minister

Could there be a penalty shootout to decide this year’s winning team in the celebrity Queensland Roars Against Racism match at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday, July 12?

Communities and Multicultural Affairs Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said there’s every chance, with a top line up of actors, authors, business representatives and everyday Queenslanders warming up for the fun curtain raiser.

Ms Nelson-Carr said actor Marcus Graham was a starter in the celebrity match, fresh from filming his villainous part in controversial TV hit series Underbelly.

"Any penalty shoot out will be for a good cause of promoting cultural diversity and joining with the community at large to say ‘no’ to racism in Queensland," Ms Nelson-Carr said.

The celebrity match and main game between Queensland Roar FC and Brazilian team Palmeiras are highlights of the Queensland Government’s Roars Against Racism campaign.

"Marcus will be teaming up with the likes of Ditch Davey (Sea Patrol), Big Wal (Australia’s Biggest Loser) and Nick Earls (2006 Queensland Multicultural Champion and author) for the celebrity kick off.

"It’s a fantastic line-up, and I’m pleased someone as highly regarded in the Australian Film industry as Marcus is to be using his profile to help get the message out there that racism will not be tolerated in Queensland."

Marcus said he was excited to be involved in the campaign which fosters social harmony and cohesion.

"Racism really belongs to the mind-set of last century and has no relevance to the expansive and powerful future that Queensland holds before itself in this, the 21st century," he said.

"The football games played at Suncorp Stadium create a fun and relaxed atmosphere for everyone to ‘red card’ racism."

The Queensland Roars Against Racism football showdown will be at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, July 12. Gates open at 5pm, with the celebrity curtain raiser kicking off at 5.15pm and the main game at 7pm.

Tickets are available from Ticketek outlets, phone 132 849 or go online www.ticketek.com.au Family tickets (two adults and two children) start at $38.

For more information about Queensland Roars Against Racism, visit www.multicultural.qld.gov.au

Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3237 0993