HOLLYWOOD star Denzel Washington is helping a North-East soccer club to kick racism out of football.

The actor is starring in the new Disney movie Remember the Titans, which will be shown tonight at Boldon's UGC cinema.

Sunderland AFC is hosting the screening in conjunction with Kick It Out, football's national anti-racism campaign.

Schoolchildren have been invited to see the film, based on the true story of the integration of two schools, one all-black and one all-white, in 1970s America. It shows how the school football team's players unite to overcome racism.

Sunderland stars Thomas Sorensen and Jurgen Macho will attend the premiere.

Danish international goalkeeper Sorensen said: "We believe everyone has the right to attend and enjoy football matches in a safe and friendly atmosphere.

"Tackling racism is top of our agenda and we welcome everyone to the Stadium of Light, whatever their colour."

The event comes after Sunderland reserve striker Milton Nunez seemed to suggest his lack of first-team opportunities could be down to his skin colour. Nunez later denied the comments, reported in an article in his homeland of Honduras, and said he did not believe race was anything to do with his absence from the first-team.

The Show Racism the Red Card campaign, of which Sunderland boss Peter Reid and club captain Niall Quinn are honorary patrons, said it was pleased with the backing received from the club.