Tonight sees the start of the European Football Championships. The BBC have the opening match, Poland versus Greece (kick-off 5.00pm). Gary Lineker presents the beeb's coverage as the joint hosts face the 2004 champions in this Group A clash at the National Stadium in Warsaw. Despite being the first competitive contest for Franciszek Smuda's side since October 2009, Poland's passionate home fans will be expecting them to put in a stirring performance, but a victory in this encounter is far from assured. The Greeks finished at the top of their qualifying group ahead of Croatia, and have the greater pedigree in this competition. The most recent meeting between these nations was a drab 0-0 draw in an international friendly in March 2011, but a repeat of that seems unlikely, as both sides will be striving to improve upon their performances at Euro 2008, when neither managed to progress to the knockout stage. 
With commentary by Steve Wilson and the thoroughly wretched Mark Bright - who knows as much about international football as this blogger knows about marine biology - and half-time analysis from Alan Hansen and Lee Dixon. Later on, we have Russia versus the Czech Republic (kick-off 7.45pm) on ITV. So, the coverage of that will, as usual with ITV, be shite. Grumpy odious, risible breakfast TV flop Adrian Chiles presents the second match, as the remaining teams in Group A meet at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. Having performed so admirably four years ago when they reached the semi-finals under the tutelage of Guus Hiddink, Russia will be hoping that fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat can prove as inspiring. They begin their third consecutive appearance at the European Championships by facing the Czech Republic, who have qualified for every staging of this tournament since the birth of their nation, following the split of Czechoslovakia. Their record since then has been mixed, failing to make it through the group stage on two occasions, but finishing as runners-up at Euro '96 and reaching the semi-finals in Portugal eight years later. With commentary by Peter Drury and Jim Beglin, and analysis - or lack of it - by Roy Keane, Gareth Southgate and Patrick Vieira.
The BBC has defended a recent Panorama investigation into racism and anti-Semitism at Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine, and said that it disagrees in the 'strongest terms' with the criticism from one of the programme contributors. The documentary, titled Euro 2012: Stadiums of Hate, included footage of Polish fans giving Nazi-style salutes, black players being heckled with monkey chants and a group of Asian men being viciously beaten at a club game in Ukraine. But Jonathan Ornstein, the executive director of the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow, who was interviewed for the programme, criticised at the BBC's portrayal of the perceived problems in both countries. In a letter sent to the Economist on 6 June, Ornstein said that he was 'furious' at the way Panorama had 'used [him] and others to manipulate the serious subject of anti-Semitism for its own sensationalist agenda.' He added: 'The BBC knowingly cheated its own audience - the British people - by concocting a false horror story about Poland. In doing so, the BBC has spread fear, ignorance, prejudice and hatred. I would urge the BBC to become more aware of its own negative stereotyping of Poles, before it goes pointing the finger of judgement.' However, the BBC hit back in a strongly worded statement to the magazine, saying that it denies in the 'strongest terms' that the interview with Ornstein was 'misrepresented.' The corporation said that the programme's commentary made it clear that Ornstein believed 'most Poles happily accept other faiths, but that football hooligans are yet to catch up with wider Polish society.' Certain comments from the BBC's hour-long interview with Ornstein were not included in the programme, including: 'I think we see Poland going in a very good direction in terms of Jewish relations and maybe the football stadiums and the football fans aren't going in that direction and that's something we need to work on as a country.' The BBC said that this quote 'goes precisely to the heart of what the programme was about,' and makes his later criticisms appear somewhat baffling.
'It becomes even more baffling in the context of UEFA's comment to the programme, that by awarding the tournament to Poland and Ukraine it would shine a light on such societal issues of racism and anti-Semitism with a view to improvement,' said the BBC. 'One wonders how UEFA's stated aim can be achieved in the light of the continued apparent failure of politicians, police, football officials and others in either Poland or Ukraine to condemn the racism, anti-Semitism and violence recorded by the Panorama team at recent matches in both countries.' The BBC also said that it 'takes issue' with Ornstein's claim that he told the BBC interviewer to speak to two Israeli footballers at Polish club Wisla Kraków, but was apparently told that 'this line of inquiry "didn't fit their story."' In its statement, the BBC responded: 'The programme's producer and reporter deny refusing the offer to interview two Israeli footballers playing in Poland because it did not fit the story. Neither have any recollection of such a conversation with Mr Ornstein. Had such an offer been made, both say they would not have responded in the way Mr Ornstein alleges - in fact they would have jumped at the chance of interviewing them.' In a rather stinging conclusion, the BBC added: 'Given that Mr Ornstein acknowledges in his statement "that problems do exist", it could be argued that he has now handed those racist and anti-Semitic followers of football in Poland a big excuse not to mend their ways, to find "the cure" as he put it, when he spoke to the Panorama team.'
Meanwhile, on broadly the same subject, UEFA has confirmed, after at first flatly denying, that there were 'isolated incidents of racist chanting' aimed at Netherlands players during an open training session. But the governing body has not revealed whether it is investigating the incident in Krakow. Dutch captain Mark van Bommel said that monkey chants were aimed at team-mates. 'Should such behaviour happen at further training sessions, UEFA would evaluate the operational measures to be taken to protect players,' UEFA - those well-known cowardly appeasers of bullies and fascists - said. Whatever the hell that means. 'UEFA has now been made aware that there were some isolated incidents of racist chanting that occurred at the open training session of the Dutch team yesterday in Krakow. UEFA has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to discriminatory behaviour and has given the power to referees to stop matches in case of any repeated racist behaviour.' The governing body said no formal complaint had been received from the Dutch FA - and Netherlands officials have already said that none will be made. The matter is now considered closed, the Dutch FA told BBC Sport. While Van Bommel complained specifically of racist abuse, the Dutch FA said this was mixed with anti-Euro 2012 chanting believed to have been prompted by the fact the city has not been given any matches in the tournament. Netherlands head coach Bert van Marwijk did not hear any racist abuse, his FA added. When it was put to Van Bommel on Thursday that the chanting was a protest against Euro 2012 organisers, he said: 'Open your ears. If you did hear it and don't want to hear it, that is even worse.'
The claims emerged on the opening day of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Around twenty thousand fans had turned up to watch the training session at the Stadion Miejski on Wednesday. Journalist Marcel van der Kraan, who writes for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, said that he heard the racist abuse. He told BBC Radio 5Live: 'As the Dutch players did their warm-up, during the first lap of the pitch they could hear monkey noises from one end of the crowd. When the players heard this they said they would do another lap and if they heard monkey noises again they would stop. The Dutch coach moved all the cones and started training on the pitch as far away from these people as possible. It was considerably more than two or three people. The Dutch media could hear it as well.' The day before the alleged abuse, the Netherlands players had visited Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, which is nearby. Van Bommel said: 'It is a real disgrace, especially after getting back from Auschwitz, that you are confronted with this. We will take it up with UEFA and if it happens at a match we will talk to the referee and ask him to take us off the field.' Earlier this week, UEFA's thoroughly oily president Michel Platini told BBC Sport that the issue was one for wider society, not simply football. But, he added that referees had the power to stop games if there was racist abuse from the stands.
Graham Carr, the chief scout at yer actual Keith Telly Topping's beloved Newcastle United has signed an eight-year contract to keep him at the club until the age of seventy five. Carr is the man credited with identifying much of the talent in Alan Pardew's team which finished fifth in the Premier League last season. He picked out the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Sylvain Marveaux. Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias told the club's website: '[Graham] has been instrumental in helping us get some truly exceptional players. He has deservedly built one of the best reputations in the business.'
Carr, sixty seven, joined the Magpies in February 2010, when Chris Hughton was in charge. He previously held scouting roles at Stottingtot Hotsphots and Shiekh Yer Man City. The former York and Northampton player and Blackpool manager, who is the father of the comedian and chat show host Alan Carr, is now poised to work for the club he has supported all his life - and played for as a teenager - well into his seventies. Graham's father, Wilf, was also on the books at St James' Park during the 1920s but, like his son, his appearances were restricted to reserve team football. Llambias said: 'Graham works tirelessly to identify talented young players from across the world and has done a magnificent job over the last two years. He has the complete faith and support of the owner, the board and the manager. It is excellent news that the club will continue to benefit from his expertise for many years to come.'
One might've thought that Stewart Downing would be considering himself jolly lucky to have made England's Euro 2012 squad after a thoroughly average first season at Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws and might have been more advised to keep his trap shut rather than shouting-the-odd. But, he's a footballer so life's never that simple. Downing claims that the squad 'does not fear' France and is confident of a result when the the sides meet at Euro 2012 on Monday.
So, that'll be Hatem Ben Arfa running rings around the England defence, then. Jeez, haven't these idiots ever heard of karma? Roy Hodgson's England side face France in their opening group game, before taking on Sweden on 15 June and Ukraine four days later. Downing said: 'We are confident we can get a result. We don't fear them. We know they are a good team but so are we. We know their strength and weaknesses.' He denied that the England's players are talking about The Scum defender Rio Ferdinand's omission, saying: 'Whoever the manager picks, we get on with it. I concentrate on my position in the team and so do the other players.' Downing is one of six Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haw players in the England squad - more than any other club side - despite the club's vastly disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Premier League which got their manager the old tin-tack. The former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa midfielder defended the club's season, saying: 'If you look at our performances, we battered teams at times but we did not have the killer instinct.'
UK government ministers will boycott England's group games in the European football championships in Ukraine. The move is in protest at the 'selective justice' meted out to jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. Attendance at later matches, such as the final in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, is to be kept 'under review.' Other EU nations including Germany, Holland and Austria have also threatened a boycott of the tournament being jointly hosted with Poland. Tymoshenko played a key role in the Orange Revolution in 2004 and says her imprisonment is an act of political revenge by Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych. The authorities have rejected Tymoshenko's allegations. She was jailed for seven years in October, for 'abuse of power' during her time as prime minister. Last week, she ended a twenty-day hunger strike after being moved to a hospital in Kharkiv where she is being treated by a German doctor. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'The government fully supports England's participation in Euro 2012. We hope this is a successful tournament for the England team, the fans, and the people of Ukraine and Poland. No ministers will be attending group games at Euro 2012. We are keeping attendance at later stages of the tournament under review in the light of ministers' busy schedules ahead of the Olympics and widespread concerns about selective justice and the rule of law in Ukraine.' If England do get to the final of the tournament - unlikely, I know, but just suppose - they will play at least five games in Ukraine.
Should they get through to the knock-out phase, they will play their quarter-final in either Donetsk or Kiev. If England come second in their group and go on to win the quarter-final, their semi-final will be in Donetsk. The final is to be held in Kiev. Sports Minister Hugh Robertson would normally have been expected to go the group games, but was occupied with Olympic duties, the Department of Culture Media and Sport said. 'No final decision had been taken about which ministers were to go,' said a spokesman. Tymoshenko's daughter Eugenia this week told BBC News that she 'understood' the political boycott but wanted the tournament to go ahead. 'We understand the political boycott of European leaders who protect the rule of law, who respect human rights, who cannot go there and shake Yanukovych's hand. But I think sports events should go on. My mother, when she was in government, fought for the right to host this championship in Ukraine.' Poland, which is co-hosting the tournament with Ukraine, has warned that the EU should not push Ukraine into the arms of Russia through a boycott. President Bronislaw Komorowski told Polish state television: 'We feel that Ukraine is somewhere between a choice of integration with the Western world or a chance to participate in a customs union proposed by Russia. From this point of view, Poland has well-grounded fears that it (boycotting Ukraine) might result in Ukraine choosing a political route alternative to the process of European integration.'
With commentary by Steve Wilson and the thoroughly wretched Mark Bright - who knows as much about international football as this blogger knows about marine biology - and half-time analysis from Alan Hansen and Lee Dixon. Later on, we have Russia versus the Czech Republic (kick-off 7.45pm) on ITV. So, the coverage of that will, as usual with ITV, be shite. Grumpy odious, risible breakfast TV flop Adrian Chiles presents the second match, as the remaining teams in Group A meet at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. Having performed so admirably four years ago when they reached the semi-finals under the tutelage of Guus Hiddink, Russia will be hoping that fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat can prove as inspiring. They begin their third consecutive appearance at the European Championships by facing the Czech Republic, who have qualified for every staging of this tournament since the birth of their nation, following the split of Czechoslovakia. Their record since then has been mixed, failing to make it through the group stage on two occasions, but finishing as runners-up at Euro '96 and reaching the semi-finals in Portugal eight years later. With commentary by Peter Drury and Jim Beglin, and analysis - or lack of it - by Roy Keane, Gareth Southgate and Patrick Vieira.The BBC has defended a recent Panorama investigation into racism and anti-Semitism at Euro 2012 hosts Poland and Ukraine, and said that it disagrees in the 'strongest terms' with the criticism from one of the programme contributors. The documentary, titled Euro 2012: Stadiums of Hate, included footage of Polish fans giving Nazi-style salutes, black players being heckled with monkey chants and a group of Asian men being viciously beaten at a club game in Ukraine. But Jonathan Ornstein, the executive director of the Jewish Community Centre in Krakow, who was interviewed for the programme, criticised at the BBC's portrayal of the perceived problems in both countries. In a letter sent to the Economist on 6 June, Ornstein said that he was 'furious' at the way Panorama had 'used [him] and others to manipulate the serious subject of anti-Semitism for its own sensationalist agenda.' He added: 'The BBC knowingly cheated its own audience - the British people - by concocting a false horror story about Poland. In doing so, the BBC has spread fear, ignorance, prejudice and hatred. I would urge the BBC to become more aware of its own negative stereotyping of Poles, before it goes pointing the finger of judgement.' However, the BBC hit back in a strongly worded statement to the magazine, saying that it denies in the 'strongest terms' that the interview with Ornstein was 'misrepresented.' The corporation said that the programme's commentary made it clear that Ornstein believed 'most Poles happily accept other faiths, but that football hooligans are yet to catch up with wider Polish society.' Certain comments from the BBC's hour-long interview with Ornstein were not included in the programme, including: 'I think we see Poland going in a very good direction in terms of Jewish relations and maybe the football stadiums and the football fans aren't going in that direction and that's something we need to work on as a country.' The BBC said that this quote 'goes precisely to the heart of what the programme was about,' and makes his later criticisms appear somewhat baffling.
'It becomes even more baffling in the context of UEFA's comment to the programme, that by awarding the tournament to Poland and Ukraine it would shine a light on such societal issues of racism and anti-Semitism with a view to improvement,' said the BBC. 'One wonders how UEFA's stated aim can be achieved in the light of the continued apparent failure of politicians, police, football officials and others in either Poland or Ukraine to condemn the racism, anti-Semitism and violence recorded by the Panorama team at recent matches in both countries.' The BBC also said that it 'takes issue' with Ornstein's claim that he told the BBC interviewer to speak to two Israeli footballers at Polish club Wisla Kraków, but was apparently told that 'this line of inquiry "didn't fit their story."' In its statement, the BBC responded: 'The programme's producer and reporter deny refusing the offer to interview two Israeli footballers playing in Poland because it did not fit the story. Neither have any recollection of such a conversation with Mr Ornstein. Had such an offer been made, both say they would not have responded in the way Mr Ornstein alleges - in fact they would have jumped at the chance of interviewing them.' In a rather stinging conclusion, the BBC added: 'Given that Mr Ornstein acknowledges in his statement "that problems do exist", it could be argued that he has now handed those racist and anti-Semitic followers of football in Poland a big excuse not to mend their ways, to find "the cure" as he put it, when he spoke to the Panorama team.'Meanwhile, on broadly the same subject, UEFA has confirmed, after at first flatly denying, that there were 'isolated incidents of racist chanting' aimed at Netherlands players during an open training session. But the governing body has not revealed whether it is investigating the incident in Krakow. Dutch captain Mark van Bommel said that monkey chants were aimed at team-mates. 'Should such behaviour happen at further training sessions, UEFA would evaluate the operational measures to be taken to protect players,' UEFA - those well-known cowardly appeasers of bullies and fascists - said. Whatever the hell that means. 'UEFA has now been made aware that there were some isolated incidents of racist chanting that occurred at the open training session of the Dutch team yesterday in Krakow. UEFA has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to discriminatory behaviour and has given the power to referees to stop matches in case of any repeated racist behaviour.' The governing body said no formal complaint had been received from the Dutch FA - and Netherlands officials have already said that none will be made. The matter is now considered closed, the Dutch FA told BBC Sport. While Van Bommel complained specifically of racist abuse, the Dutch FA said this was mixed with anti-Euro 2012 chanting believed to have been prompted by the fact the city has not been given any matches in the tournament. Netherlands head coach Bert van Marwijk did not hear any racist abuse, his FA added. When it was put to Van Bommel on Thursday that the chanting was a protest against Euro 2012 organisers, he said: 'Open your ears. If you did hear it and don't want to hear it, that is even worse.'
The claims emerged on the opening day of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine. Around twenty thousand fans had turned up to watch the training session at the Stadion Miejski on Wednesday. Journalist Marcel van der Kraan, who writes for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, said that he heard the racist abuse. He told BBC Radio 5Live: 'As the Dutch players did their warm-up, during the first lap of the pitch they could hear monkey noises from one end of the crowd. When the players heard this they said they would do another lap and if they heard monkey noises again they would stop. The Dutch coach moved all the cones and started training on the pitch as far away from these people as possible. It was considerably more than two or three people. The Dutch media could hear it as well.' The day before the alleged abuse, the Netherlands players had visited Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, which is nearby. Van Bommel said: 'It is a real disgrace, especially after getting back from Auschwitz, that you are confronted with this. We will take it up with UEFA and if it happens at a match we will talk to the referee and ask him to take us off the field.' Earlier this week, UEFA's thoroughly oily president Michel Platini told BBC Sport that the issue was one for wider society, not simply football. But, he added that referees had the power to stop games if there was racist abuse from the stands.Graham Carr, the chief scout at yer actual Keith Telly Topping's beloved Newcastle United has signed an eight-year contract to keep him at the club until the age of seventy five. Carr is the man credited with identifying much of the talent in Alan Pardew's team which finished fifth in the Premier League last season. He picked out the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Papiss Cisse and Sylvain Marveaux. Newcastle's managing director Derek Llambias told the club's website: '[Graham] has been instrumental in helping us get some truly exceptional players. He has deservedly built one of the best reputations in the business.'
Carr, sixty seven, joined the Magpies in February 2010, when Chris Hughton was in charge. He previously held scouting roles at Stottingtot Hotsphots and Shiekh Yer Man City. The former York and Northampton player and Blackpool manager, who is the father of the comedian and chat show host Alan Carr, is now poised to work for the club he has supported all his life - and played for as a teenager - well into his seventies. Graham's father, Wilf, was also on the books at St James' Park during the 1920s but, like his son, his appearances were restricted to reserve team football. Llambias said: 'Graham works tirelessly to identify talented young players from across the world and has done a magnificent job over the last two years. He has the complete faith and support of the owner, the board and the manager. It is excellent news that the club will continue to benefit from his expertise for many years to come.'One might've thought that Stewart Downing would be considering himself jolly lucky to have made England's Euro 2012 squad after a thoroughly average first season at Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haws and might have been more advised to keep his trap shut rather than shouting-the-odd. But, he's a footballer so life's never that simple. Downing claims that the squad 'does not fear' France and is confident of a result when the the sides meet at Euro 2012 on Monday.
So, that'll be Hatem Ben Arfa running rings around the England defence, then. Jeez, haven't these idiots ever heard of karma? Roy Hodgson's England side face France in their opening group game, before taking on Sweden on 15 June and Ukraine four days later. Downing said: 'We are confident we can get a result. We don't fear them. We know they are a good team but so are we. We know their strength and weaknesses.' He denied that the England's players are talking about The Scum defender Rio Ferdinand's omission, saying: 'Whoever the manager picks, we get on with it. I concentrate on my position in the team and so do the other players.' Downing is one of six Liverpool Alabama Yee-Haw players in the England squad - more than any other club side - despite the club's vastly disappointing eighth-placed finish in the Premier League which got their manager the old tin-tack. The former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa midfielder defended the club's season, saying: 'If you look at our performances, we battered teams at times but we did not have the killer instinct.' UK government ministers will boycott England's group games in the European football championships in Ukraine. The move is in protest at the 'selective justice' meted out to jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko. Attendance at later matches, such as the final in the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, is to be kept 'under review.' Other EU nations including Germany, Holland and Austria have also threatened a boycott of the tournament being jointly hosted with Poland. Tymoshenko played a key role in the Orange Revolution in 2004 and says her imprisonment is an act of political revenge by Ukraine's President Viktor Yanukovych. The authorities have rejected Tymoshenko's allegations. She was jailed for seven years in October, for 'abuse of power' during her time as prime minister. Last week, she ended a twenty-day hunger strike after being moved to a hospital in Kharkiv where she is being treated by a German doctor. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: 'The government fully supports England's participation in Euro 2012. We hope this is a successful tournament for the England team, the fans, and the people of Ukraine and Poland. No ministers will be attending group games at Euro 2012. We are keeping attendance at later stages of the tournament under review in the light of ministers' busy schedules ahead of the Olympics and widespread concerns about selective justice and the rule of law in Ukraine.' If England do get to the final of the tournament - unlikely, I know, but just suppose - they will play at least five games in Ukraine.
Should they get through to the knock-out phase, they will play their quarter-final in either Donetsk or Kiev. If England come second in their group and go on to win the quarter-final, their semi-final will be in Donetsk. The final is to be held in Kiev. Sports Minister Hugh Robertson would normally have been expected to go the group games, but was occupied with Olympic duties, the Department of Culture Media and Sport said. 'No final decision had been taken about which ministers were to go,' said a spokesman. Tymoshenko's daughter Eugenia this week told BBC News that she 'understood' the political boycott but wanted the tournament to go ahead. 'We understand the political boycott of European leaders who protect the rule of law, who respect human rights, who cannot go there and shake Yanukovych's hand. But I think sports events should go on. My mother, when she was in government, fought for the right to host this championship in Ukraine.' Poland, which is co-hosting the tournament with Ukraine, has warned that the EU should not push Ukraine into the arms of Russia through a boycott. President Bronislaw Komorowski told Polish state television: 'We feel that Ukraine is somewhere between a choice of integration with the Western world or a chance to participate in a customs union proposed by Russia. From this point of view, Poland has well-grounded fears that it (boycotting Ukraine) might result in Ukraine choosing a political route alternative to the process of European integration.'
