Fans from around the world played football together in the center of Ukraine's capital on Friday in a move to combat racism and promote tolerance.
Ukraine has been rocked by allegations of racism and a
call by former England defender Sol Campbell for supporters not to
attend matches here because they might return “in a coffin.” Ukrainian
officials have angrily denied the claims and have promised a warm
welcome to supporters.
In co-host Poland, UEFA is investigating
alleged racial abuse directed at two black players, Italy striker Mario
Balotelli and Czech defender Theodor Gebre Selassie, during Euro 2012
matches. European football’s ruling body has pledged zero tolerance of
discrimination during the three-week tournament in the two countries.
Dozens
of fans wearing T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Football Unites”
played five-minute matches in the Euro 2012 fan zone set up on Kiev’s
main avenue. Hundreds of spectators cheered and applauded the players.
“People
from different nationalities, different cultures, different backgrounds
— we play, we form teams, it’s just a friendly street kick,” said Aniki
Johnson, a 50-year medical equipment salesman from Nigeria, who helped
organize the event. “It’s been very, very peaceful, a very friendly
atmosphere.”
Dan Nott, a 30-year old geography student from
Bristol, England, wearing a blue vest, emerged exhausted but upbeat
after his match against a team of yellow-vested players ended in a 1-1
draw.
“It’s to unite people across the world, to say ‘no’ to racism,” Nott said, breathing heavily. “It’s a good cause.”
A
group of Ukrainian rights organizations said this week that hate crimes
are growing here because of a general rise in aggressive sentiments
caused by the economic hardship of recent years.
According to the
activists, Ukrainian authorities do little to punish the perpetrators of
hate crimes and often write off such attacks as mere hooliganism.
That’s because such incidents can be harder to prove and victims are
often scared to report them, fearing retribution from attackers and
abuse from the police, activists say.
Ihor Rudoi, 25, a warehouse
worker in Kiev who has played football since childhood and came to watch
the anti-racism street matches, said sport should serve to promote
tolerance, not cause aggression.
“There can be fights on the pitch, but when the match is over, that should be it,” Rudoi said.
