In fact the families of England players Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have indicated they are unlikely to travel to Euro 2012 for fears of racial abuse.
Examples have also come to light where ultra-right leaning fans have become subtle and conniving. Codes like the number 88 are raised as banners. "88" stands for "HH" or "Heil Hitler" with H being the eighth letter of the German and English alphabets.
From where do such reprobates crawl? The origins seem to lie in a hangover from the Axis powers' defeat in World War II, the bygone era of slavery, the perpetual desire to prove the dominance of one culture over another.
Sadly such actions are used not only to rile but as a mechanism to build self-esteem. Football offers escapism from turgid Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 jobs. Tournaments like Euro 2012 provide a perfect vehicle for fans to step out of otherwise drab lives to get a sense of belonging, solidarity or brotherhood.
That is generally a good thing, but steps too far when they sign up for a vigilante war to prove the superiority of their race, colour or creed.
As a neutral fan not overly steeped in football's traditions, it is hard to understand why the contests can't be appreciated more for the skills they bring to the field.
Admittedly dyed-in-the-wool fans add to a spectacle. Demonstrating unwavering passion for a team is admirable but extending that to lowest common denominator behaviour is unacceptable.
It reminds me of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Mrs Alderson and I settled into a bar in the Polish city of Poznan where a rowing regatta was taking place nearby. Germany was playing Poland in pool play at Dortmund.
There was optimism aplenty for underdogs Poland until a 91st minute German strike saw the Poles booted from the tournament. Tensions in the bar intensified. We'd been monitoring a group of German timekeepers from the regatta who had somehow ended up in the middle of the Polish support base. They were mute for 90 minutes - and looked petrified - but maintained their cover.
That was until one of them let out a small whoop when the goal went in ... the majority of the bar turned on him and the group, unleashing a volley of vitriol and beer. The Germans had to leave as the threats escalated. The scars of war live on.
It raises hopes that European governing body UEFA has taken a stand on racist abuse at Euro 2012. Referees will be empowered to call a halt to matches if any such taunts are made. However, whether they'll follow through to prevent players like Italy's Mario Balotelli walking off the pitch remains to be seen.
There is still an eerie contradiction that makes you wonder if Uefa's claim is merely a soothing platitude. Players will be punished with a yellow card if they walk off the field when subjected to such behaviour. It is intriguing to know how this will work in practice but hopefully no such action will be required.