Euro 2012: UEFA Confirm "Racist chants" Aimed at Netherland's Squad
UEFA have confirmed reports of “isolated incidents of racist chanting” aimed at the Netherland’s team squad during an open training session.
UEFA have confirmed reports of isolated incidents of racist chanting aimed at the Netherlands team squad during an open training session. Team captain Mark Van Bommel claimed monkey chants were aimed at his team mates. Racism has been a major concern for UEFA chiefs ahead of this summers European Championships. Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli claimed he would murder anyone who aimed racist chants at him and that he would walk off the pitch in protest. UEFA president Michael Platini however has warned any player who decides to walk off the pitch in protest of racist chanting will be booked. Of this particular incident, UEFA have not yet revealed whether they are investigating. "Should such behaviour happen at further training sessions, Uefa would evaluate the operational measures to be taken to protect players," Uefa said. Fear of potential racism at the Euro tournament in Poland and Ukraine were highlighted last week by BBC's Panorama programme. That shocking documentary led to former England defender Sol Campbell warning black England fans not to travel to the games and families of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott also decided against travelling to the tournament for fears over their safety.