Discrimination persists: DFB expresses concern over cup incidents
In the recent German Cup (DFB-Pokal) matches, the football community has been shaken by racist incidents, particularly during games involving 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig and Schalke professional Christopher Antwi-Adjei.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly condemned the racist abuse directed at Antwi-Adjei and a Kaiserslautern substitute, describing it as "unacceptable." The incidents led to official investigations by German police and the DFB.
During the Schalke vs. Lokomotive Leipzig match, Antwi-Adjei reported racist abuse, prompting the game to be temporarily halted. Despite stadium officials urging fans to refrain from discriminatory behavior, Antwi-Adjei faced hostile treatment throughout the match. A similar incident occurred in another match, with a Kaiserslautern player being racially abused while warming up[2].
FIFA has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on racism, with Infantino pledging strong support for affected players through FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel. He has also called for cooperation between football governing bodies, clubs, and law enforcement to ensure decisive action[1][2][5].
The DFB is actively investigating these incidents alongside police authorities. Clubs like Mainz and Rot-Weiss Essen are also addressing online racist abuse players face, supporting them in taking legal measures against abusive messaging[3].
In Leipzig, a 47-year-old man was briefly detained by police for questioning in connection with the incident. Lok Leipzig, a fourth-tier club with a history of racist or far-right backgrounds, initially denied the racist abuse but later apologized after Antwi-Adjei revealed that the "N-word" was used in the slur[4].
Meanwhile, in Potsdam, club officials immediately distanced themselves from a racist incident in their stadium. The Stahnsdorf club has since taken steps to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future[4].
These steps reflect concerted efforts to address racism both on the pitch and online within German football after the incidents in August 2025[1][2][3][4][5]. The incidents are not isolated, as a similar racist incident occurred in England during Liverpool FC's Premier League opener, involving Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo[6].
The football community stands firm against racism and discrimination, with the DFB and its president Bernd Neuendorf facing pressure to address these issues. The events have put the spotlight on the need for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination rules and collaboration with law enforcement to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all players and fans.
References:
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino calls for decisive action against racism
- German football under pressure as racism incidents mar cup matches
- German clubs take legal action against online racist abuse
- German football's racism problem: A fight for change
- FIFA's Players' Voice Panel vows support for affected players
- Racist abuse mars Premier League opener between Liverpool and Norwich
- The recent racist incidents in German football, such as those involving Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Schalke, are part of the general-news category and also fall under crime-and-justice as they involve abusive behavior.
- FIFA's zero-tolerance policy on racism extends beyond football fields, encompassing sports-related online platforms where players face discrimination and abuse, as evidenced by incidents involving Kaiserslautern and Mainz clubs.
