Controversy abounds as Ukraine prepares to co-host the soccer European Championships. With the case of Yulia Tymoshenko ongoing, there is also growing concern about racist thugs assaulting visitors during the event. A range of politicians across Europe have refused to attend the championships in protest against the harsh treatment of Yulia Tymoshenko. The jailed opposition leader’s appeal has now been delayed until late June, a couple of weeks into the event. Meanwhile, there is the prospect of the event being overshadowed by local hooligans. Some have threatened to attack non-white fans visiting the country. Anti-racist campaigns like the one started by Arsenal Kyiv are currently the exception rather than the rule.
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A range of politicians across Europe have refused to attend the championships in protest against the harsh treatment of Yulia Tymoshenko. The jailed opposition leader’s appeal has now been delayed until late June, a couple of weeks into the event. Meanwhile, there is the prospect of the event being overshadowed by local hooligans. Some have threatened to attack non-white fans visiting the country. Anti-racist campaigns like the one started by Arsenal Kyiv are currently the exception rather than the rule.