England manager Fabio Capello on Monday joined the fight against racism in football and demanded supporters behave at Tuesday’s Euro 2012 qualifying match against Wales.
England’s players wore anti—racism Kick It Out wristbands in training on Monday morning, signalling the squad’s opposition to incidents which occurred in Bulgaria.
There were reports of racist chanting directed from Bulgarian fans at certain England black players, with counter—allegations of abuse directed by England fans at their Bulgarian hosts.
“Racism is a terrible thing,” Capello said. “I am against it absolutely. I don’t like racist people.
“I didn’t know what happened in Bulgaria because I was focused on the game.
“But we need to fight against racism. You need to respect the other countries.” He also called more generally for respect between nations, criticising the drowning out of the national anthems.
“I remember in Cardiff (when England beat Wales earlier in the year) I didn’t like the boos or the shouts against the other country, because for me as a manager and as a player it’s a really important moment, because you wear the shirt at your heart at this moment.
“It’s a really high moment, a spiritual moment. You need to respect the other country.”
