Christopher Antwi-Adjei has spoken about the reasons behind his complaint following a racist insult in the DFB Cup at Lok Leipzig. "Above all, I want to show that he behaved wrongly. And to prevent this person from simply acting under the protection of a larger audience," the FC Schalke 04 professional footballer told "Sport Bild". "Some fans perhaps believe that they can get away with more in a larger group. And that's not possible."
The winger was racially insulted by a spectator during the cup match on August 17 when he tried to take a throw-in on the touchline. Antwi-Adjei had said this to the assistant referee, the game was then briefly interrupted and continued after a stadium announcement - partly with whistles from the fans against Antwi-Adjei.
"I'm proud of my skin color"
The 31-year-old now described how he had taken the situation: "Maybe it was a bit of anger at first, but it was much more horror. I'm very disappointed, but I'm strong enough to deal with something like that." The fact that he was immediately focused on the game again helped him to keep calm.
"I am proud of the color of my skin. I was born here and I appreciate having grown up here," said Antwi-Adjei. At the same time, he also emphasized that he doesn't have to talk about racism every day and hopes that it is the exception: "But after what happened, you have to address it." Time and again, white people in particular make racist comments in soccer stadiums.
Positive response on social media
In the days after the game, he spoke to family, friends and the team and felt a lot of support. He also publicized the incident on social media. "The support was enormous. I was really pleased with the messages that were written there," said Antwi-Adjei.
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