Euro 2008 captains to preach respect

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2008

VIENNA (AFP) — Every match at Euro 2008 will be preceded by speeches from captains of both sides urging fans not to boo opponents' anthems or flags and calling on players to respect the rules and the match officials.

The move, announced by UEFA President Michel Platini here on Wednesday, is part of a broader initiative aimed at ensuring the tournament sets a positive example under the theme of "Respect".

"We all hope for a wonderful tournament but football also has to accept that it has a responsibility to the rest of society," Platini said as he unveiled the "Respect" programme.

Various 'respect' slogans will feature on players' shirts and on the official water bottles for the tournament.

As part of the programme, the quarter-final matches will be...