United Against Racism in Vienna

Tonight's second UEFA EURO 2008™ semi-final between Russia and Spain at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna again featured the campaign to rid football of racism.

Unite Against Racism
The two semi-finals are taking place under the Unite Against Racism campaign organised by the Football Against Racism in Europe network with UEFA's backing, and with the support of the players' union FIFPro. 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."

Supporting the battle
Last night in Basel, Germany captain Michael Ballack and Turkey counterpart Rüştü Reçber read out messages supporting the battle against racism before the game, while spectators at St. Jakob-Park were given multi-coloured bibs to wear ahead of the kick-off. The same applied in the Austrian capital tonight, with fans donning bibs once more to take part in two choreographed Mexican waves around the stadium. UEFA Social Responsibility manager Patrick Gasser said beforehand: "This wave will see everyone displaying the Unite Against Racism logo and it will be on international television, sending out the message that discrimination is not acceptable in football."

Captains' statement
Just before the opening whistle, the captains then read their statement: "I and my team-mates wish to make clear that we stand against all forms of discrimination. We have seen over the last three weeks how football can bring people together to enjoy our common passion whatever our religion, nationality or skin colour. Please join us to Unite Against Racism." Each of the skippers also wears a captain's armband displaying the Unite Against Racism logo.

'Racism is wrong'
"UEFA has been working closely with the FARE network for many years now," said UEFA first vice-president Şenes Erzik in launching the Unite Against Racism campaign at the start of the tournament. "Together with the rest of the football family, and with other members of society, from the worlds of politics and media, you have all helped to build increased awareness of racism and discrimination in society and in football. Racism is now acknowledged as a serious problem. Everybody now knows that it is not accepted by the mainstream of civilised society or by the mainstream of football – racism is wrong." Piara Powar, from UK FARE member Kick It Out said: "The Unite Against Racism campaign has captured fans' imaginations through its visible presence inside and outside stadiums. The semi-final captains' speeches will reinforce the importance of tackling discrimination in all its forms."

Campaign details
The Unite Against Racism logo is visible not only on the captains' armbands but also on the perimeter boards in the stadiums, match tickets, the ball-boys and ball-girls' bibs as well as on the stewards and substitutes' bibs. The campaign has also had an advertising spot broadcast at every game – Different Languages, One Goal: No To Racism. The film captures the emotions of different fans moments before a goal is scored, was shot over two days in Munich's Allianz Arena stadium, at a Romanian restaurant in the city centre, and in the studio. The film culminates with wild celebrations and shows the word 'goal' to be truly universal.

For further information, visit farenet.org.