Don't judge a nation like Ukraine by its hooligans But though they may have little faith in their politicians, Ukrainians do have huge expectations for Euro 2012. And so do I, despite my shame at the racism on the terraces. For I don't believe that you can judge a whole nation by its football hooligans. Indeed, look at what England was like 30‑odd years ago. How did this country change from being a place where landladies routinely put up notices saying: "No blacks, no Irish," where young black men were stabbed at bus stops, to a nation where such attitudes have been exiled to the extreme fringe? We can pat ourselves on the back for that. But before we pat too hard, let's remember all the protests and petitions and pickets, let's pay tribute to the students who insisted that their universities exclude from their accommodation lists those discriminating landladies. Let's praise the stubbornness and courage of black footballers and people like the Lawrences, parents of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence, who wouldn't take racism lying down. Let's thank those who shone a light on the darkness, those who campaigned tirelessly to make Britain a nicer, more tolerant, and generally jollier sort of place. Whatever it was that worked the magic over here, they certainly need a bit of it in Ukraine now. And that's why, despite the controversy, I wholeheartedly support the Euros being held in the land of my forefathers. Such an event can only help to bring Ukraine into modern Europe. The majority of Ukrainians are lovely, kind, intelligent, warm, hospitable people who will take any opportunity to stuff you with dumplings and top up your glass. They would be appalled that their homeland has been portrayed in such a light, and would not recognise such horrid behaviour. Indeed, following Panorama, the BBC has been accused of sensationalising the issue, with several people noting that England fans faced no racist or abusive behaviour when the team last played (in a World Cup qualifier) in Ukraine in 2009. So while Ukraine may have a lunatic fringe that has got out of hand, I believe that they need help dealing with it, not pariah status. I want English fans to travel to Ukraine to bring a bit of our tolerance and jolliness with them. I want us to shame the Ukrainian football authorities who turn a blind eye and help them to reclaim football from the thugs. Racism brings shame on the perpetrators, not the victims. My reaction was the same as Sol Campbell's - "So sad!" Now I'm asking - and I know this is a Big Ask - our players and fans to show the same resolution, courage and stubbornness with which they've helped to turn around attitudes in this country, to help Ukrainians of goodwill to do the same. If they stay away, all they will achieve is to spoil the party for Ukrainians who have very little else to party about. If ordinary football lovers keep away, the hooligans will win. It's hard to imagine a more horrible spectacle than gangs of thugs tattooed with nationalist and fascist symbols beating the hell out of each other. No football fan wants their beloved game to become a platform for these sick displays. Welcoming visitors from all over Europe will make the Ukrainians feel part of the continent and encourage their aspirations to become a more tolerant and democratic society. A boycott, by contrast, will simply encourage a tendency - and I say this as the child of Ukrainian parents with plenty of relatives who still live there - to revel in victim status. I can guarantee that if you ever go to Ukraine, you won't be disappointed. Yes, it is a poor country, but Kiev is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. I want you to stroll down Kiev's leafy avenues and see the golden domes of ancient churches gleaming above the tree tops. I want you to travel through the wide-horizoned countryside and visit one of the pretty tumbledown villages where old ladies still sit gossiping under cherry trees. And yes, there are even a lot of nice things to eat - especially if you like beetroot. Various Pets Alive and Dead" by Marina Lewycka is published by Figtree (Penguin). To order a copy from Telegraph Books for £18 plus £1.35 p&p, please call 0844 871 1515 or go to books.telegraph.co.uk