Members of the English [source], Dutch [source] and Italian [source] national teams visiting Konzentrationslager Auschwitz before the start of the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship.

I’m glad that these visits were arranged, particularly in light of all of the renewed attention on racism and anti-Semitism in the stands and on the pitch of the beautiful game.

Walking through the gas chambers and crematoria of Auschwitz, the horrors of the Holocaust were brought home to England’s footballers on Friday. Linking Europe’s darkest days and football was the Jewish former Chelsea manager Avram Grant, who joined the England delegation to recall how 15 members of his family were among the Auschwitz victims.

“It’s very important you are here,” the former Israel manager told the players by the Auschwitz ovens. “It’s important to talk about this and spread the message of what happened here.” [source]

The message is clear but unfortunately not to everyone. [1, 2]

For a good read: What would Thuram do? [Soccer Politics - Duke]

Image sources are at the links.