This article, dated May 2012, highlights the fears of racism that cast a dark cloud in the run up to the 2012 European Cup. The Cup was hosted by both Poland and the Ukraine, countries known for xenophobia and racism. The article makes note of the effects racism has not only on the players but also on the fans and speculates how the Leagues, players and host nations will deal with any incidents.
Sports History at Trinity College (CT)
with contributions by students in Prof. Luis Figueroa-MartÃnez's classes
That’s very interesting how racism seems to be a greater problem in soccer in Eastern Europe. It’s difficult to understand the causes behind it. Western Europe nations have had their own dire struggles with racism, anti-semitism, and nativism. Perhaps some of the anti-ethnic minority policies and pogroms in the days under communist rule are still more fresh psyches of Eastern Europeans. The Soviet Union continued on many persecutions in its own union of socialist republics. It’s not very strong analysis, but it’s one suggestion.