Euro 2012: Dutch Players Subjected to Racist Chants at Training Session

"The problems occurred as the players began the session by jogging a lap of the pitch only to be greeted at one end of the stadium with monkey noises and loud jeers. On the second circuit, they were even louder and it was then the players decided not to go around again. “At least now we know what we can encounter,” the Holland coach, Bert van Marwijk, said with heavy cynicism. “Very atmospheric.”"

UEFA brushed off the incident, suggesting it was not racial in nature. Their official explanation was that Krakow fans were protesting not having been made a host city. Dutch captain Mark van Bommel did not accept this.

"Van Bommel, however, responded angrily when it was put to him not everyone had heard monkey noises. “You need to open your ears,” he said. “If you did hear it, and don’t want to hear it, that is even worse.”"

Though perhaps sensationalized by the media, the racism issue is serious for UEFA. Insensitive comments and tepid denials are not helping the matter.

[Photo via Getty]