Platini supports firm stance on racism

UEFA president Michel Platini says that he will support referees who stop matches at Euro 2012 because of racist chanting from fans.

The Frenchman expressed his belief that such measures are the only way to stamp out the troubles which have surfaced in the past in host countries Poland and Ukraine.

“Referees can finish the game. They have this power in case of racism,” Platini said. “That is, I think, the best way to protect the game against racism.”

But Platini claimed that he does not fear that any potential problems would tarnish his own personal reputation.

“My reputation because there are racists in Poland and Ukraine – are you joking? You think I am responsible for the racists in the rest of Europe or in England or in France?” he said.

“My responsibility is not to do nothing – and we have done a lot to change the rules, to change the regulations, to help … We help them, we do a lot for racism – but I am not responsible for society.

“The society is not so easy. You have some problems and we have to organise these Euros from the beginning with some problems because these two countries never welcome so big an event in the past.

“It was a big challenge for Poland, big challenge for Ukraine, a big challenge for UEFA – and we have done our best.”