Racist incident in Dresden: DFB praises referees and clubs

Following the racism incident at the second division match between Dresden and Düsseldorf, the German Football Association (DFB) has praised the reaction of the referee team and the clubs. "Lukas Benen and his team showed a great deal of empathy in addition to all the correct formal procedures by taking the situation seriously and immediately dealing with the offending player," said Knut Kircher, Managing Director of Sport and Communication at DFB Schiri GmbH, in a statement.

During an injury stoppage in stoppage time on Sunday, a Dresden spectator had insulted Fortunen player Emmanuel Iyoha. He immediately reported the incident to the fourth official, Lasse Koslowski.

DFB also praised the reaction of the clubs

The referees then passed on the information to the two captains and head coaches of the teams. They also made an announcement and thus activated the so-called three-step plan. According to the DFB, Benen described the incident in a detailed special report.

Kircher highlighted the way the referees dealt with Iyoha: "They focused on his well-being and protection, inquired several times about his emotional state and willingness to continue the game. The referee also sought contact with the player concerned again in the dressing room after the end of the match."

The DFB also praised the fact that both clubs clearly condemned the fan's behavior. Dynamo coach Thomas Stamm said after the match: "I would ask these spectators not to come into the stadium again. They have no place here, but they also have no place in society in general."