UEFA happy with behaviour of fans

UEFA have expressed their satisfaction that Euro 2008 has so far passed without serious incidents of racism.

Arrests made at the start of the tournament in Klagenfurt were linked with racist anti-Polish chanting but it was considered to be an isolated clash.

UEFA director of communications William Gaillard said: “We’ve had problems in Europe in the last decade with some racist behaviour by groups of extremists.

“We’ve been very lucky at this tournament and I want to congratulate fans all over Europe for the nearly perfect behaviour from all the fans representing countries here. It is with great satisfaction that we can turn these semi-finals, that were dedicated to the fight against racism, into a celebration.”

The quarter-finals of the tournament were dedicated to disability sport, while the semis will focus on combating racism, with captains of each team addressing fans before each game.

Meanwhile, one problem UEFA have encountered is touts, with reports of tickets on the black market being seized by Austrian police.