Action needed to avoid racism at Olympics: UN expert

GENEVA — Sporting nations should up the fight against racism ahead of the Olympics to avoid a repeat of extremist incidents at the Euro 2012 football championship, a UN expert said on Tuesday.

He called for extra measures before the London games begin on July 27.

"Neo-Nazi symbols, slogans and banners displayed during football matches and racist monkey chants directed at players or supporters should not be tolerated," he said in a statement to the Human Rights Council.

"I call upon states to intensify the fight against racism in sport and to strengthen the role of sports in promoting cultural diversity.

AFP: Action needed to avoid racism at Olympics: UN expert