Police Investigate After 'Lions' Game Racism Scandal - Racist Abuse Halts Munich-Cottbus Match; Player, Officials Condemn Incidents
A third-division football match between TSV 1860 Munich and Energie Cottbus was marred by racist incidents. Energie Cottbus player Justin Butler was subjected to racist abuse, with referee Konrad Oldhafer reporting monkey chants from the stands. A 36-year-old man from Landshut was ejected from the stadium and handed over to authorities on suspicion of insult.
The incident left Butler feeling saddened and shocked. He described it as 'a disappointment that isn’t easy to process', stating that racism has no place in society. The game was halted for about ten minutes before resuming after Butler indicated he could continue. Police are investigating the spectator suspected of racist abuse, who had a blood alcohol level of 1.4 per mille and no prior police record. Additionally, police are investigating a second incident where another spectator allegedly performed a Hitler salute.
The racist incidents during the match have been condemned. The suspected perpetrator, a 36-year-old man from Landshut, was removed from the stadium and is being investigated by authorities. Energie Cottbus and TSV 1860 Munich, along with the football authorities, have reiterated their zero-tolerance policy towards racism and discrimination.
