DFB boss after scandal in the cup: racism has no place

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has condemned the incidents of racism at the cup matches in Leipzig and Potsdam. "Racism and discrimination, hatred and exclusion have no place in soccer. We stand for diversity and respect. And on the side of those affected and those who stand up for our values," said the top official in a statement on the association's website.

Neuendorf pointed out that the Control Committee of the German Football Association had initiated investigations and that the DFB had been involved in numerous initiatives against racism and discrimination in soccer and in society for years. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously strongly condemned the incidents. The head of the world governing body now expects the DFB and the German police to clarify the situation and punish the perpetrators.

Schalke and Kaiserslautern affected

During Lok Leipzig's first-round match against FC Schalke 04 (0:1 n.V.), guest player Christopher Antwi-Adjei had made a racist insult against him known to the referee from the stands. Referee Max Burda interrupted the match for a few minutes with the score at 0:0. Antwi-Adjei reported after the game that the "N-word" was shouted from the stands. Today, the term "N-word" is used to describe a racist term used in the past to describe black people.

After a message from the stadium announcer that discriminatory shouts should be avoided, the match continued. The Schalke professional was then booed by many Leipzig spectators when he touched the ball. Antwi-Adjei has since pressed charges and the police have begun an investigation. The Leipzig police registered a total of 17 criminal offenses at the match, including several assault offenses and damage to property. The authorities have opened an investigation into the reason for the interruption to the match, which was insulting.

"Nazis out" shouts in Potsdam

Fans in Potsdam's Karl-Liebknecht-Stadion reacted differently after a professional player from 1. FC Kaiserslautern was insulted in the cup match at RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf (7:0). The perpetrator was identified thanks to the quick intervention of spectators and security services. Both fan camps chanted "Nazis out".