Foreign journalists refuted talks about racism in Ukraine

 

According to information agency «Ukraine-2012» special correspondent of Emirati newspaper «The National» Paul Radley considers the statement about racism in Ukraine to be baseless. He was in Ukraine throughout the duration of the championship.

 

In particular the journalist spoke to citizens, foreign students and the representatives of minorities in Kharkiv and Lviv. He concluded that during EURO 2012 in Ukraine there were no cases of racial conflicts.

 

Occurrence of disruptive behavior in Ukraine is also absolutely baseless according to the author of the article. «The country lived in the holiday atmosphere during the tournament what has been a norm here while international events are held», -  Paul Radley notes.

 

His article tells that publications prior to UEFA EURO 2012 about racism, violence and high prices in Ukraine brought less fans to the championship. However, the statement about small number of foreign fans in Ukraine is only a partial truth.

 

The author notes that a lot of fans remained in the country even though their team was out of the tournament. The teams who played all the three group matches in one city gathered the greatest number of fans. The examples are Swedes in Kiev, Dutch in Kharkiv. The number of them was considerably high according to the number of British fans.

 

Leading foreign media has already issued about 60 news materials that show the positive experience of UEFA EURO 2012 in Ukraine. In particular, the subject of unfounded rumors about racism was raised by a popular British tabloid«The Daily Mirror», agency «Reuters», French TV-channel «TF1» and one of the most famous channels of the World «CNN».

 

Authoritative British newspaper «The Independent», German TV-channel «ZDF», popular American newspaper «New York Times» told about success of Ukraine during UEFA EURO 2012.

 

We note that «CNN» is sure that UEFA EURO 2012 has become a real success for Ukraine. A range of telecasts «Eye on Ukraine» tells about it.