Fans kick against racism

One of the side attractions at UEFA EURO 2004™ is the Streetkick programme organised by the pan-European Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) network - UEFA's partner in the fight to eliminate racism from the game.

Fans mingle
The inflatable Streetkick football game has attracted interest from supporters of all the teams taking part in the tournament in Portugal, as well as from locals. In the first of a series of Streetkick days, fans mingled and enjoyed the sunshine and entertainment in a Porto square before Germany faced the Netherlands in their Group D encounter last Tuesday.

Relaxed atmosphere
"Based directly next to the German fan embassy, a number of teams made up of different nationalities played street football in a relaxed atmosphere," a FARE spokesman said. "For many supporters it was the perfect opportunity to kill some time during the long wait for the highly charged game between the neighbouring rivals.

'Tolerance and respect'
"All the teams respected the common rules of tolerance and respect and FARE's fanzine was well received. Among the Germans, English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and Croatians playing, not everybody showed world-class footballing skills but due to tropical temperatures this was not surprising."

Lisbon date
Another Streetkick day is taking place today before the Group B match between Croatia and England, at the Praça de Figueira in Lisbon (2pm local time), and another event will be held at the same venue prior to the Group D fixture involving Germany and the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

At the vanguard
UEFA has been at the vanguard of football's anti-racist movement, in close conjunction with the FARE network, to which it has given considerable financial support. Last summer, European football's governing body published a guide to good practice for the European football community.