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Fabio Capello's England team to visit Auschwitz during European Championships in Poland

By Henry Winter
Last Updated: 5:32PM GMT 28/01/2012

One of the many embarrassments that clung to England like a bad smell during the South Africa World Cup was their refusal to experience the country. They even turned down the chance to visit Robben Island while having a rest day in Cape Town.

Commendably, the FA’s desire for England to engage more fully in a tournament and the host nation will see Fabio Capello and his players visit Auschwitz from their Euro 2012 base in nearby Krakow.

This week, all players at professional clubs will receive educational notes about last Friday’s Holocaust Memorial Day from Kick It Out, football’s equality and inclusion campaign. Schools are being sent copies of “The Y-Word”, the short film about anti-semitism in football.

Education is the key in tackling discrimination. But so are images of famous footballers paying their respects to those who perished in Auschwitz. England have been to the concentration camp before.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, his captain David Beckham and 14 other players went in September 2004 before a World Cup qualifier with Poland in Katowice. “It’s good that the players are thinking about going back,’’ said Lord Ouseley, chair of Kick It Out.

Clubs are doing more to make their players more rounded and socially responsible characters. Some clubs made their players aware of Holocaust Memorial Day. Some did not.

“Of course it’s difficult for players to get involved in a major event like the remembrance of the Holocaust when they have matches at the weekend,’’ added Ouseley.

“Some clubs were represented. I think the PFA also have a responsibility to raise awareness of its members of the importance of these events like Holocaust Memorial Day, to have a better understanding of history.’’

Tom Huddlestone, the Spurs midfielder, did a live link from Spurs Lodge to pupils at a school in nearby Wood Green, touching on the issue of discrimination.

A balance is required. Footballers are professionals, employed by to win and must spend the majority of their life concentrating on such ends. Yet acquiring some perspective about the evils that can lurk in society will make them better people.

It might also make them better players by appreciating their good fortune.

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Thing is mate for most of them it'll just be a PR trip and the full extent of what happened there will not even sink in below the fake tan.
For those that it will good on them. Think it was George Patton who ordered the photographs and movie reels of the camps when they were liberated as he knew in years to come some toss pots will say it never happened he was right.

 

Agree mate. Ive been there twice and it it the biggest reality check you can ever have.

 

My parents went to Auschwitz about 6 or 7 years ago on a trip that my dad wanted to do for most of his life. He was extremely moved and my mam broke her heart.

I think this would be a massive statement against those morons that try and evoke the belief that the Holocaust didn't happen.

We cannot ever allow that to happen.

 

i had a school trip there... the realisation sucks the happieness is sucked from the air around you but im glad i went i think everyone should have to go just once

 

Never been but always wanted to go hope that the all the England team take a moment to think and reflect on what happened and still happens when Fascism and Racism are allowed to fester and grow like a cancer on humanity.
Lest We Forget.

 

I went back in 2002 withmy school. Was most certainly an experience and as you say, you become quite sombre and reflective when you get there. Everyone must go. This was a major part of our history and something that should never be forgotten

 

I went there about 2 years ago (and 6 months later found a distant branch of my family were killed there), it is a horrendously surreal place. Just a little story to share with you:

Many of the Jews who went Auschwitz went in as 'lapsed' Jews - they didn't eat Kosher or anything. After the war, almost none of the inmates, Jewish or not, would eat Pig because the smell was all too similar to that of the crematoria. Puts you off your Pork a bit, doesn't it?

 

My sisters dog could eat for England, but put any kind of ham product in front of her and she won't touch it.

I think she's been here before in a different guise.

 

Do you believe in reincarnation the AB