Racist remarks: DFB court reduces Lok penalty

The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) has reduced the penalty for regional league team Lok Leipzig for racist remarks during the cup match against Schalke. The DFB announced that the court had amended the verdict following an appeal by the Saxons.

The partial exclusion of spectators for continued unsportsmanlike conduct by Leipzig supporters for a home match in the DFB Cup was suspended on probation. The probation period was set at five years and limited to similar incidents in the DFB Cup.

In addition, the fine for Lok was also reduced from 30,000 euros to 24,000 euros, of which up to 8,000 euros can be used for preventative measures against discrimination and racism. Both the club and the DFB Control Committee have waived their right to appeal. The ruling is therefore legally binding.

Scalia player repeatedly insulted

At the match on August 17 at the Bruno Plache Stadium, Scalia player Christopher Antwi-Adjei was repeatedly racially insulted from the 13th minute until extra time, which led to a ten-minute stoppage in play and a stadium announcement. The host club apologized to the player for the incidents.

The club had announced in a statement on its website after the first verdict at the beginning of November that it would appeal. The penalties were inappropriate and "drastic" for a fourth division club. With the possible partial exclusion of spectators at the next DFB Cup match, a total fine in the high five-figure range is in the offing.

The club also announced: "Racism is simply disgusting and cannot be tolerated! We very much regret the cries of individual idiots who have once again caused us massive damage."