Dfb Leader Speaks out Following Cup Controversy: No Room for Racism
Two separate incidents of alleged racist abuse against players occurred during German Cup matches in Leipzig and Potsdam, prompting investigations by German football authorities and German police.
The incidents, which involved abusive messages and insults directed at players of diverse backgrounds during or around the games, have sparked a wave of condemnation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the incidents, emphasizing that football has no place for racism and discrimination.
In Leipzig, Christopher Antwi-Adjei, a player for FC Schalke 04, reported a racist insult from the stands during the first-round match against Lok Leipzig. The referee, Max Burda, interrupted the game for a few minutes due to the incident. The authority in Leipzig is investigating the reason for the game interruption due to insults. After the game, Antwi-Adjei filed a complaint and the police have initiated investigations.
In Potsdam, fans chanted "Nazis out" after a player from 1. FC Kaiserslautern was insulted during a cup game. Both fan groups in Potsdam chanted "Nazis out" in response to the incident. The swift intervention by spectators and security services in Potsdam allowed the identification of the culprit.
The German Football Association (DFB) has launched investigations into these events, and FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel is coordinating with the DFB to ensure players are respected and protected, and that organizers and law enforcement take appropriate action.
Mainz and Rot-Weiss Essen clubs have publicly condemned the abuse their players faced, with Mainz supporting legal action against the perpetrators of racist and sexist online messages targeting their players.
German police are actively investigating the incidents reported at the stadiums. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has confirmed the federation’s ongoing investigations into the two cases connected to the German Cup events. Neuendorf stated that racism and discrimination, hate, and exclusion have no place in football.
This reflects a continuing challenge within German football to tackle racism both in stadiums and on social media, with responses involving club support, federation investigations, police involvement, and international condemnation by FIFA. The DFB has been committed to numerous initiatives against racism and discrimination in football and society for years.
Infantino now expects clarification and punishment of the perpetrators from the DFB and the German police. Leipzig fans booed Antwi-Adjei whenever he touched the ball following the incident, underscoring the need for swift and effective action to address racism in football.
[1] Article 1 [2] Article 2 [3] Article 3
- In response to the recent incidents of racist abuse in German sports, particularly in football games, Article 1 could be a call to action urging stricter measures against racist behavior in stadiums and on social media.
- Given Gianni Infantino's emphasis on football being a platform for inclusivity, Article 2 could propose the introduction of educational programs to sensitize fans towards diversity and promote respectful sportsmanship.
