Racial Abuse Incident: Christopher Antwi Adjei Attacked in German Cup Match vs Lokomotive Leipzig
- Ghana football star Christopher Antwi-Adjei was subjected to racial abuse during a DFB Pokal clash on Sunday
- He immediately reported the incident to the referee, prompting an official investigation to ensure those responsible are held accountable
- The 31-year-old's ordeal comes just days after Antoine Semenyo faced a similar experience in the Premier League
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Christopher Antwi-Adjei endured a harrowing moment in Schalke 04’s DFB-Pokal first-round tie against Lokomotive Leipzig on Sunday, August 17.
The Ghanaian forward, 31, was preparing to take a throw-in in the 13th minute when a home supporter allegedly hurled racist insults at him.
Source: Getty Images
Christopher Antwi-Adjei endures racial abuse
The referee halted the game briefly and ordered a stadium announcement, but instead of empathy, Antwi-Adjei was met with jeers from sections of the home crowd every time he touched the ball until the final whistle.
Schalke described the treatment as “utterly incomprehensible and disappointing.”
After the game, Antwi-Adjei lodged a formal complaint with the police, who have since opened an investigation. Speaking with visible frustration, he said:
“It is very disappointing to still have to experience something like this today. It should not happen. I hope this person thinks again about their words."
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, Schalke’s sporting director Frank Baumann expressed strong disapproval:
"We condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and hope the perpetrator will be identified. Schalke stands firmly at Christopher’s side."
Head coach Miron Muslic added that the issue went beyond the actions of a single individual:
“We cannot just put this aside. The entire stadium sensed what happened, yet they booed him. That is not the act of one individual," he said, as quoted by Ghanasoccernet.
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The club reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to combating racism and fostering tolerance within football and society.
Ghana FA offers support to Antwi-Adjei
The Ghana Football Association also voiced its outrage, standing in solidarity with Antwi-Adjei.
"Racism is evil. It has no place in football. It has no place in society," the FA wrote on X.
"Christopher showed incredible strength in the face of hate — reminding us all that dignity and character will always rise above ignorance. 💪🏾🇬🇭
"As the Ghana Football Association, we stand firmly with him. We echo his courage, and we demand a game where every player is respected, no matter their colour, race, or origin.
"Football is about unity. Football is about love. Football is for all of us. ❤️ Let’s raise our voices together: NO TO RACISM. YES TO EQUALITY."
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of abuse faced by another Ghanaian international, Antoine Semenyo, during the opening weekend of the Premier League season.
A 47-year-old Liverpool supporter was arrested for racist remarks directed at the Bournemouth forward.
According to the BBC, the offender has now been banned from every football stadium in the United Kingdom as part of his bail conditions.
Fans demand strong punishment
The disturbing abuse directed at Christopher Antwi Adjei has intensified calls for stricter punishments in German football.
Several former professionals have urged the federation to introduce stadium bans that last more than one season and are applied immediately after verified incidents. Fan groups from other clubs have also issued statements of support, stressing that racism needs to be tackled collectively, not just left to the players and clubs affected.
Some supporters believe clubs should also face point deductions when their fans are involved in racist behaviour. Others have called for more security cameras and faster identification of offenders to make sure action is taken right away.
Many people also want stronger education programmes at stadiums to teach fans about respect. A few have even suggested that matches should be paused when racist chants are heard. Players and coaches say it’s time to move from words to real action.
Semenyo opens up after racial abuse
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Antoine Semenyo broke his silence after suffering racial abuse for the second time following Bournemouth’s 4-2 loss to Liverpool.
The striker disclosed that he had received more offensive messages on Instagram, even sharing a screenshot of one on his story. Alongside the post, he wrote a simple but powerful question: “When will it stop?”
Source: YEN.com.gh
