It is unacceptable - FIFA president Infantino condemns racist abuse

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned two incidents of alleged racist abuse that marred DFB-Pokal matches in Germany, calling them “unacceptable” as police investigations continue.

The first incident occurred during Schalke’s game against Lokomotive Leipzig, when winger Christopher Antwi-Adjei reported being subjected to racist abuse.

After alerting officials, the Ghana international was continuously whistled by sections of the crowd.

In a separate match, a Kaiserslautern substitute was allegedly racially abused while warming up during the team’s tie at RSV Eintracht, according to the club’s coach.

Although the player’s name was not revealed, fans and security staff quickly identified the perpetrator, and both sets of supporters joined in chants of “Nazis out.”

Infantino reacted strongly to the incidents, writing on social media, saying, “It is unacceptable that incidents have occurred at two DFB-Pokal matches in Germany. Football has no place for racism or any form of discrimination.”

The FIFA chief added that the organisation’s Players' Voice Panel would be in touch with the German Football Federation (DFB), stressing that world football must act together.

“Everyone at FIFA, The Players’ Voice Panel and the whole football community stands firmly with all those impacted by these events — we are committed to ensuring that players are respected and protected, and that competition organizers and law enforcement authorities take appropriate action,” he added.

Meanwhile, the DFB President, Bernd Neuendorf, also issued a statement, “Racism and discrimination, hatred and exclusion have no place in football. We stand for diversity and respect. And alongside those affected and with those who stand up for our values.”

Both cases are being investigated by German police. Meanwhile, Antwi-Adjei has filed an official complaint following the abuse in Leipzig.