The ongoing efforts to rid football of racism and discrimination will be the focal point of the build-up to both UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-finals.
Before the matches begin, in Basel on Wednesday and in Vienna on Thursday, a range of events will take place under the Unite Against Racism initiative – including a message from team captains after the national anthems, and audience participation with multi-coloured bibs for each spectator to wear before kick-off.
UEFA President Michel Platini has welcomed the activities. "The Unite Against Racism campaign serves to demonstrate our respect for diversity," Mr Platini said. "We're determined to ensure that major footballing events like the EURO are played in an environment of harmony and respect." The Unite Against Racism programme is run by the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network with UEFA's backing, as well as with the support of the professional players' union FIFPro.
Fans at the semi-finals will find a bib on their seat which they will be asked to put on to take part in a choreographed Mexican wave around the stadium, prompted by the stadium announcer, as the players are warming up – and again just before they come out on to the pitch. The latter moment will be included in the television feed for an international audience. UEFA Social Responsibility manager Patrick Gasser said: "This wave will see everyone in both stadiums displaying the Unite Against Racism logo and it will be on international television, sending out the message that discrimination is not acceptable in football."
source
