Clarets defender Andre Bikey is backing a campaign to tackle racism in football after he once had to carry a gun around as he suffered abuse from Russian fans.

The Cameroon international has experienced the startling effect of racism first hand, especially when he had a stint with Lokomotiv Moscow.

Bikey carried a gun for his own protection amid fears over street attacks while living in the Russian capital.

He has previously said: “I used to have a gun. But it was only for my protection. I had to buy one after some problems I had.

"When I moved to Reading I gave it to one of my friends in Moscow.

“Russia has a different mentality. For a black person it is very hard to live in Russia, especially outside of Moscow. There is racism.”

More than 120 children from three Burnley primary schools were invited to Turf Moor to take part in the ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ initiative.

And Bikey stressed how important the scheme is after meeting young-sters from Heasandford, Cherry Fold, and St Peter’s Primary Schools.

Bikey, along with Clarets midfielder Chris McCann, staged ques-tion-and-answer sessions with dozens of dedicated young Clarets fans, alongside another former player, John Francis.

Pupils asked the trio questions about their views and experiences of racism in football, and life in general, as part of the event.

Workshop sessions were held during the morning, including a racism awareness session delivered by the scheme’s organisers.

Bikey said: “Racism and prejudice have no place in football, or life in general, and I think it is good that children are being educated at a young age to embrace this philosophy.

“I think the work ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ does is brilliant.

“It makes people aware of the situations and we all want to stamp it out together.”

The day also featured a ‘Be the Boss’ enterprise workshop, where children got the opportunity to be the Clarets chairman Barry Kilby for 45 minutes.

Then the youngsters were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of Turf Moor, by the club’s Community Sports Trust coaches.

Following the success of the scheme, another gathering is being lined up for different Burnley schools in October.