FIFA President Infantino and DFB address the allegations of racism - FIFA leader Infantino and DFB discuss matters concerning racial discrimination
A disturbing incident of racist abuse has marred the DFB-Pokals match between Schalke 04 and 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig. Schalke player Christopher Antwi-Adjei reported a racist insult from the stands during the cup match.
The abuse occurred around the 13th minute of the game when Antwi-Adjei was taking a throw-in. The insult, reportedly the "N-word", a racist term for blacks, was met with immediate action. The referee Max Burda paused the game for a few minutes, and the home club made a stadium announcement.
Despite these measures, sections of the home crowd continued to boo Antwi-Adjei for the remainder of the game. Schalke 04 strongly condemned the racist abuse, stating that such behavior has no place in football and that they stand by Antwi-Adjei.
The Deutsche Fußball-Bund (DFB) and the local police are investigating the incident. The DFB Control Committee has initiated investigations following the match. FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally intervened, calling for consistent investigation and punishment of the perpetrators.
The DFB President, Bernd Neuendorf, emphasized their commitment to fighting racism and discrimination in football. His statement reads, "Racism and discrimination have no place in football. We stand for diversity and respect."
However, as of the latest updates, there is no specific mention of Hermann Winkler, President of the North-Eastern German Football Association (NOFV), in the provided search results regarding the incident. Winkler has asked for a stop to speculations and blame until the match report and results of the police interrogations have been evaluated.
In another incident, a professional player was insulted during a cup match in Potsdam, and both sets of fans chanted "Nazis out". This incident is also under investigation.
Infantino expects the German Football Association and the German police to investigate and punish the perpetrators of the racism incident. He condemned the incident, emphasizing that football should be a place where everyone is welcomed and respected.
Antwi-Adjei, despite the ordeal, expressed hope that the perpetrator would reconsider their words. He stated that the insult was an isolated incident and that he hoped it would not tarnish the image of football as a whole.
This incident serves as a stark reminder that despite progress, racism and discrimination still exist in football. The DFB, along with football associations worldwide, must continue to strive towards a more inclusive and respectful environment for all players, fans, and staff.
I'm not going to be able to play football as passionately as I used to, knowing that such hate still persists in European leagues. The racist abuse aimed at me during the DFB-Pokals match is a harsh reality that I can't ignore.
