Warning of violence towards England fans and player at Euro 2012

A general view of the Donbass Arena, the home ground of Shakhtar Donetsk, which will be used at Euro 2012 (GETTY IMAGES)

Police have warned of the potential for unrest at the Euro 2012 football championships this summer with right-wing extremists targeting England's black footballers and fans for racist abuse.

Ukrainian extremists have reportedly made threats against the few thousand England fans expected to make the trip but police have not uncovered any evidence of plans for violence between rival groups.

Senior officers said they believed the potential for violence from England fans was low but warned that sustained racist barracking could lead to retaliation from England supporters.

England will play all of their first-round games in Ukraine.

"There are extremist groups in Ukraine engaged in football violence," said Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt. "If there is a substantial amount of racist abuse, it may be a flashpoint for disorder if fans feel they are being unfairly or inappropriately treated."