Ruud Gullit has slammed the racists that are threatening to derail the Euro 2012 tournament and has called upon players to take action against it and not ignore it like he used to.

The Dutch Legend who helped Holland win the Euro Championship in 1988 has backed the stance made by Mark van Bommel in speaking out against it and claimed that he was powerless to do so back in the 80s and 90s, as black players weren’t backed by the authorities:

“When I played, I received racial abuse but I was just one of a few black players and we weren’t backed up by the authorities. Now there are so many at the top of their profession and they have the backing of important people.

“I used to ignore the abuse and felt powerless to change attitudes”

Gullit is hoping the tournament passes off without incident, but has called upon the authorities to ensure that everyone unites to rid this evil from the game:

“We are beyond that now though. We just have to hope that racism doesn’t haunt this tournament but that, if it does, the response is strong. We want to remember Euro 2012 for great football.

The players need the support of UEFA and the football authorities need the support of the police.” (Daily Mail)