Ukrainian riot police seem reluctant to intervene when fans get out of control in stadiums. Picture/ AP
Ukrainian riot police seem reluctant to intervene when fans get out of control in stadiums. Picture/ AP
Special "safe zones" are to be set up for England soccer fans at Euro 2012 in Poland and the Ukraine amid concern about the threat of attacks by racists and far-right nationalists.
The decision to provide "England only"areas in Kiev and Donetsk in the Ukraine, where England will play theirGroup D matches, has been welcomed by anti-fascist groups which have voiced particular fears for the safety of black and Asian England fans.
Facilities are being hired in both cities so 3000 England fans can congregate safely and get advice from British police travelling to the championship.
Only registered England fans will be admitted to the areas, meaning there will be no access for fans from the host nations.
Concern has grown after a BBC Panorama programme showed shocking footage of racist and antisemitic incidents at recent Polish and Ukrainian soccer grounds. In the Ukraine, in particular, the police and stadium officials seemed reluctant to intervene.
It is understood the "safe zones" for England fans will be sited in social clubs with bars where supporters can drink alcohol, use the internet and mix with British police and FA officials.
