Gay England fans warned about Euro 2012 travel after violence in Ukraine

Unidentified people beat Svyatoslav Sheremet (L, bottom), head of Gay-Forum of Ukraine public organization, in Kiev on May 20th. Credit: Reuters

  • Ukrainian Gay Pride event cancelled after threats and activist beaten

  • UK Foreign Office issues travel warning for gay people

  • Theo Walcott's father and brother won't travel to tournament for 'fear of possible racist attacks'

Gay England football fans travelling to Ukraine for Euro 2012 have been warned to keep a low profile for their own safety.

The advice came after Kiev's first ever gay pride parade was cancelled on Sunday amid fears of violence from far-right thugs.

Television pictures showed Svyatoslav Sheremet, head of the Gay Forum of Ukraine, being kicked and jumped on by a group of men after the event was stopped.

Amnesty International said police in the capital advised organisers to abandon the march just 30 minutes before it was due to start after 500 ultra-right football hooligans had gathered.

Thousands of England fans will travel to the eastern European country for Euro 2012, which begins on June 8.

Amnesty campaigner Max Tucker said: "Gay England football fans will have extremely good reason to be concerned.

"Not only will they have to deal with violent football hooligans who deliberately target gay people and people of ethnic minorities, they will also face an extremely corrupt police force who have a track record of beating and mistreating people because of their sexual orientation."

He added: "I would advise any gay England football supporters going to the Ukraine to go there with extreme caution and be on the lookout for both the police and hooligans and try to keep as low a profile as possible."

Travel warning

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued a travel warning which said conditions for gay people in Ukraine were deteriorating.

It stated: "Although homosexuality is legal in Ukraine, public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

"There is no provision under Ukrainian legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and there has recently been an increase in hostility towards the LGBT community."

Gay rights campaign group Stonewall called on the UK authorities to provide reassurance over fans' safety.

Sam Dick, head of policy at the organisation, said: "The shocking violence against gay people in Ukraine will be of considerable further concern to the many lesbian and gay fans heading to watch Euro 2012.

"We expect both the Football Association (FA) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to answer the serious questions about what they have done to make sure gay people visiting and living in the Ukraine are safe during the tournament and beyond."

Kevin Miles, international director of the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF), said: "The FSF is fully committed to ensuring that football is accessible to all sections of the community and no-one should face the threat of discrimination or violence while involving themselves in a football tournament."

Walcott's family won't travel to Ukraine

Last week the brother of black England midfielder Theo Walcott tweeted that he and his father will not be flying out to support the star because of "possible racist attacks".

Ashley Walcott, Theo's older brother, posted to his Twitter page: "Unfortunately my dad n i have taken the decision not to travel to the Ukraine because of the fear of possible racist attacks confrontations.

"Something's aren't worth risking, but begs the question why hold a competition of this magnitude in a place that can not police itself for foreigners of any creed to feel safe, but I'll be watching every minute (sic)."