Chamberlain: Racism means I'll miss my son in Ukraine

Mark Chamberlain, the father of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, believes it would be "prudent" for him to stay away from England's Euro 2012 matches in Ukraine amid concerns over black and Asian supporters facing the possibility of racist abuse in the country.

The Foreign Office and human rights organisations have issued warnings surrounding racism in both host nations, Poland and Ukraine. "It's a major concern," said Chamberlain, himself a former England player. "I think your safety is more important than a game of football. There are reports over the last couple of weeks of racist taunts and threats. It's just prudent for myself to keep away from it."

Theo Walcott's family have already said that none of them will be going to the finals because of the recent warnings over racism.

Amnesty International is the latest body to express concern about the Euros, this time over Poland. "The harsh reality is that racism remains commonplace in Poland and there are numerous reports of xenophobia on the terraces and in the stands of Polish football grounds," said Kate Allen, director of Amnesty International UK.