Don't boo the Welsh anthem, says Fabio Capello - Football - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Don't boo the Welsh anthem, says Fabio Capello

Fabio Capello has urged England supporters to show respect for Wales's national anthem before tomorrow's Euro 2012 qualifier at Wembley.

Last season's meeting at the Millennium Stadium was marred by booing of both the English and Welsh national anthems just before kick-off.

The behaviour of England fans is under scrutiny following anti-Romany chanting from sections of the travelling support during Friday's 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in Sofia.

UEFA are investigating the incident along with allegations of racist taunting from Bulgarian fans towards Ashley Young during the second half and Capello used his programme notes for tomorrow night's game to ask supporters not to create any problems by disrespecting Land Of My Fathers.

"Wales can be a dangerous team, particular to us because of the rivalry between the teams and the fans," said the England manager. "I know from the match in Cardiff [that England won 2-0] they have the ability to make this a difficult game.

"I also remember from that game that there was not enough respect shown to the national anthems of the two teams. I hope that will not be the case this time and fans from both countries will show respect to each other.

"On that occasion they missed Gareth Bale and he is a player that would improve any team.

"In the early minutes, I thought the fans could make a difference in the outcome of the game but scoring so early made their influence far less than it could have been. Now we are the home team it is important we give the fans encouragement from the start but if we don't get the start we had in Cardiff we will be patient."

England are playing their first match at Wembley this season after last month's friendly against Holland was cancelled due to rioting across the capital.

Capello admits he was disappointed not to have the opportunity to face the Dutch but revealed he used the additional time to assess a variety of younger players.

A number of youngsters including Manchester United's Tom Cleverley, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have earned call-ups and Capello said: "Looking back on last month, I was disappointed that we were not able to play Holland but it was the right decision for the game to be called off.

"The authorities made it clear that the game could not happen but I must also extend my disappointment to the fans that were not able to come to Wembley and watch England play.

"I've been pleased so far this season that a number of the younger English players have been playing regularly.

"Stuart Pearce took a group of players to Denmark for the UEFA European Under-21s Championship and after that tournament experience these players now need to play."

England trained this morning at Wembley without Darren Bent and Micah Richards, who were both sent home yesterday with groin and hamstring injuries respectively.

Leighton Baines has also been ruled out of tomorrow night's match because of a hamstring problem.

Tickets are still available for England v Wales at Wembley, for further details visit TheFA.com/Tickets

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