"Africans out": racism scandal in the fourth division

A racist insult is said to have occurred during the regional soccer league match between FSV Zwickau and FC Rot-Weiß Erfurt. After the game, Erfurt player Raphael Assibey-Mensah reported hostility towards his team-mate Benny Boboy and himself. Several media outlets had previously reported on this.

"Benny fouled a player and a man from the fan block shouted 'Africans out! I confronted him directly, but he kept shouting," said Assibey-Mensah. "This is not 1947, the East has evolved. Of course, there are still some who are underdeveloped."

Culprit not found

Referee Johannes Schipke interrupted the game for just over five minutes after Assibey-Mensah's tip-off, but the culprit was apparently not found. "I pointed at him. It's strange that they can't find him. That's no coincidence for me. He has to go. It doesn't send a message, but nobody cares," said Assibey-Mensah.

The winger once played a year in Zwickau himself. Now the 26-year-old hopes that his former club will act. "It's not the club's fault, but I hope that FSV will send out a signal and issue a stadium ban. I can clearly identify the man," said the Leipzig native.

Proceedings by the association possible

The incident will have repercussions in any case. Referee Schipke will prepare a report. The North-East German Football Association (NOFV) could initiate proceedings against FSV Zwickau.

Board member André Beuchold confirmed to the "Freie Presse" that he had made video recordings available to the police. "Of course we will try to identify the person or persons from the spectator ranks. And if the allegations are confirmed, then we must and will draw tough consequences," said Beuchold.