Fresh from firing his side into tonight's Euro 2008 quarter-final clash with Portugal, Michael Ballack has given his backing to Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE)'s Unite Against Racism programme.

Ballack explained: 'Racism has no space on a soccer pitch, especially not at a European Championship. We as players always want to win. But we face our opponents in any case with respect and in fair play.'

Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) is running a tournament-long programme of activity at Euro 2008, under the Unite Against Racism theme. UK member Kick It Out is leading the initiative.

The three-week programme was launched at an opening day reception on Saturday 7 June in Basel. Former Chelsea star, Paul Elliott was in attendance to address players and fans.

The programme, developed in close partnership with Uefa, aims to engage and unite fans from across the continent with a range of activity promoting anti-racism.

Ballack is just one of a whole host of star names from the tournament who have pledged their support to the campaign, which will reach its climax at the semi-finals in Vienna and Basel, where the four team captains will deliver an anti-racism message from the pitch to be beamed into homes across the world.

The Unite Against Racism activities also feature:
- A specially commissioned TV spot shown at all matches
- Pitch side advertising boards with the message at every game
- Branded captain's armbands
- Every ticket to feature a Unite Against Racism message - over 1 million in total
- Mobile 'monitors' to report racist chanting