Police will ensure fans' 'safety' in Poland

Poland have guaranteed the safety of fans at Euro 2012 and criticised former England defender Sol Campbell for telling supporters not to travel to the tournament.

Campbell made his remarks after BBC Panorama visited Euro 2012 hosts Ukraine and Poland and filmed Nazi salutes on the terraces, black players being taunted with monkey chants, and an assault on a group of Asian students.

But Malgorzata Wozniak, a spokeswoman for the Polish ministry of interior, expressed surprise at the statement and said hundreds of thousands of police would ensure fans’ safety.

She said: “The ministry of interior and the Polish security services are ready to ensure the safety of all football fans and players who come to Euro 2012 in Poland.

“The Polish police force has been preparing the security procedures for many years, taking into account various possible scenarios.”

She added: “In response to the statement of the former England captain, Sol Campbell, the Polish Government is surprised that the report contains the opinion of one person only and failed to include the views of international security experts.”

She said there had been lengthy co-operation between the Polish and British police.

“Liaison officers from the British police are coming to Poland during the tournament to assist and cooperate with the Polish police based on previous exchanges of information and consultation,” she said.

Of the 16 teams taking part, 13 including England have opted to stay in Polish cities.