MINISTERS are to boycott Euro 2012 — but not if England get to the quarter-finals.
MINISTERS are to boycott Euro 2012 — but not if England get to the
quarter-finals.
The Government is snubbing group matches over human rights violations in
Ukraine. But it left the door open to send bigwigs if team boss Roy Hodgson
gets past that stage.
England play all three group games in Ukraine, with one in capital Kyiv. It
also emerged that neither FA president Prince William nor Prince Harry will
attend the tournament — co-hosted by Poland. Clarence House said they had
never planned to go and had “other commitments”.
The part-boycott is in protest at the jailing of Ukraine opposition leader
Yulia Tymoshenko.
The Foreign Office said: “No ministers will be attending group games at Euro
2012. We’re keeping attendance at later stages under review in the light of
ministers’ schedules and concerns about selective justice and the law in
Ukraine.”
But Labour MP Stephen Pound called the Government “spineless” for not
boycotting the whole contest. He said: “This is the most ridiculous sort of
gutter politics.
“It seems to me like they’re chicken in Kyiv.
“If David Cameron wants to have it both ways, he should join the Liberals.”
German and French politicians will snub games in Ukraine.
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JOE HART reckons England’s knockers will eat their words this summer
Ex-Labour Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe last night warned the Government’s
boycott plan could put England fans in danger of a backlash from Ukraine
supporters. He said: “It’s the worst sort of Government interference.” If
England get through, their quarter-final will also be in Ukraine.
A 100ft “Roy the Redeemer” statue has been erected on the white cliffs of
Dover.
The mock-up of the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro was
installed overlooking the Channel by bookies Paddy Power — in the hope of
unsettling the French before Monday’s England game.
100 FOOT statue of England Manager erected on the White Cliffs of Dover
From NICK PARKER, Chief Foreign Correspondent in Krakow
ENGLAND striker Jermain Defoe flew home yesterday after his dad died — but
vowed: “I’ll be back.”
His father Jimmy, 49, lost his battle with throat cancer in a London hospital
just hours after Defoe, 29, arrived at the squad’s Euro 2012 base in Poland.
Defoe was comforted by coach Roy Hodgson and team-mates before returning. But
he pledged to return to the squad in time for Monday’s clash against France
in Donetsk, Ukraine.
A source close to the England team said: “It’s terrible news for Jermain, but
he’s a tough lad and wants to fly back as soon as possible. I’m sure he’ll
be in Donetsk.”
But Defoe will miss key training sessions before the match and is unlikely to
play. A replacement will not be drafted in.
Defoe last night thanked fans for their support.
He tweeted: “I want to thank the fans, my family friends, the England boys,
the FA the manager for their support. I can’t tell you how much it means
to me, I love you all, may God bless you.”
ENGLAND’S stars were cheered by locals as they walked to a civic reception
welcoming them to Krakow last night.
Mayor Jacek Majchrowski saluted the visitors as the squad strolled to the
19th-century Polish Art Gallery, where a trumpet player sounded a fanfare.
Later coach Roy Hodgson and players including Wayne Rooney, Martin Kelly and
Steven Gerrard were cheered along their three-minute walk back to the Stary
Hotel. An FA spokesman said: “It was such a warm welcome.”