‘Chiefs should do more to combat racism’

Saha wants extra efforts, Gullit hopes racist chanting was a one-off.

LONDON: French striker Louis Saha believes the controversy surrounding racism at Euro 2012 should prompt football chiefs to do everything in their power to combat the problem.

Tournament co-hosts Poland and Ukraine have struggled to eliminate racism from their stadium in recent years and the threat of abuse and violence at the finals was strong enough to convince the families of England players Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain not to travel to the tournament.

The hosts suffered another PR blow on Thursday when Holland's black players were targeted by fans singing racist chants during an open training session in Krakow.

"We have been waiting four years for Euro 2012," French striker Saha, who missed out on selection by his country, told the London Evening Standard. "But this year's tournament has a bitter taste we didn't expect. So bitter, in fact, that fans have been advised to stay away from Poland and the Ukraine as political and ethical concerns have compromised the genuine and usually heart-warming atmosphere of this hugely popular sports event."

Saha, likely to be released by Spurs at the end of the month, added, "I want Euro 2012 to stand high and tall against racism and violence - uniting people is where the game will be won during the summer."

Gullit hopes chanting was one-off

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit hopes that the racist chanting was a one-off, warning that such incidents tarnished the Euro 2012 hosts' reputation.

"I think this is an opportunity for Poland and Ukraine to show the world what beauty they have, what the country has to offer," said Gullit. “It's a pity that a small group took the opportunity to abuse that view of your country. I hope that this was just an incident."

UEFA chief Michel Platini told reporters in Warsaw on Wednesday that measures were in place to ensure that racist incidents are kept to a minimum and would support referees who now had the power to suspend matches.

Pique denies spat with Ramos

Meanwhile, Spain defender Gerard Pique denied rumours of a rift with fellow central defender Sergio Ramos, insisting the two ‘get on fine’.

The defending champions have been at pains to deny any unhealthy rivalry between players from Pique's Barcelona and Real Madrid, Ramos' club outfit - but the media have speculated that the defensive pair do not get on.

"I get on fine with Ramos," insisted former Manchester United man Pique. "It was also said this season that I didn't get on with Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and that was never so. I said it many times and say so again."

Published in The Express Tribune, June 9^th, 2012.