- Pictured left to right: Julius Van Sauers (Netherlands), Marc Kwedi (France), David Mpondo (France) and Martin Brown, Fleet Alliance Group managing director.
GLASGOW broker Intelligent Car Leasing, the personal contract hire and small business leasing arm of Fleet Alliance, has responded to racist attacks against a trio of bask basketball players with the provision of a fully funded Volkswagen T-Roc.
The broker took action after hearing that three new basketball players at the Glasgow Rocks club had been subjected to appalling racial abuse, which included vandalisation of their car with slashed tyres and a smashed windscreen.
Glasgow Rocks said the team had been ‘deeply saddened’ when new signings, David Mpondo, Julius van Sauers and Marc Kwedi, were victims of racist attacks within weeks of joining the Emirates Stadium-based club.
After a series of incidents, which culminated in vandalisation of the car, the trio had to move home.
To demonstrate Intelligent Car Leasing’s support and their stand against racism, the company has provided the three players with a brand-new VW T-Roc car fully funded for three years, solving any transport problems following the attacks.
The support for the players, two of whom are from France and one from the Netherlands, was aimed at underlining a message that Glasgow has a more inclusive and empathetic side, said Intelligent Car Leasing.
The reports of what these players went through really hit home. That sort of mindless behaviour is totally unacceptable and not the Glasgow we know, love and work towards achieving. We want to show a better side of our great city. We’re providing the vehicle with all expenses taken care of for a three-year period. As well as getting to and from training sessions we hope the players use the car to explore as much of the city as possible. And once lockdown is eased then they can explore more of Scotland too.
Martin Brown, managing director, Fleet Alliance Group
Glasgow Rocks’ player-coach Gareth Murray described the leasing broker’s gesture as ‘heart-warmingly positive’.
“That initial welcome these players received was way out of order and had a major impact on them and the rest of the club. By coming forward with this amazing offer, Martin and his company are showing the real Glasgow that’s about warm welcomes and friendliness.
“After that bleak period the players were quickly moved to a new home and have settled in without any hassle. Now this new car allows them added freedom to properly enjoy their time in our city.”
We’re overwhelmed by this generosity. We can only say a big thank you to Intelligent Car Leasing for getting us back on the road. We’re all hugely appreciative and their action certainly further confirms that whoever was responsible is in the minority. These bad first experiences have been overshadowed by a wave of positivity from so many people here in Glasgow.
David Mpondo, player, Glasgow Rocks
As part of its commitment to the local community, the Fleet Alliance Group has raised more than £600,000 for local and national charities and good causes.
Ralph Morton is the leading journalist in the leasing broker sector and editor of Broker News, the website which provides information and news for BVRLA-registered leasing brokers. He also writes extensively on the fleet and leasing market in both the UK and Europe.
