Ghanaian winger Christopher Antwi-Adjei was subjected to racist abuse during Schalke 04’s DFB-Pokal first-round match against Lokomotive Leipzig on Sunday.
The incident occurred in the 13th minute when the 31-year-old went to take a throw-in and was targeted with racist insults from at least one home supporter. Referee Benjamin Brand briefly stopped the game, allowing a stadium announcement to be made.
However, instead of showing solidarity, sections of the Leipzig crowd booed Antwi-Adjei every time he touched the ball until the final whistle—a reaction Schalke described as “utterly incomprehensible and disappointing.”
The winger has since filed a police complaint, and authorities have launched an investigation into the matter.
Speaking after the game, Antwi-Adjei expressed his dismay:
“It is very disappointing to still have to experience something like this today. It should not happen. I hope this person reflects on their words.”
Schalke’s sporting director, Frank Baumann, condemned the incident in the strongest terms:
“We hope the perpetrator will be identified. Schalke stands firmly at Christopher’s side.”
Head coach Miron Muslic also highlighted the seriousness of the abuse, noting that it was not just an isolated act:
“The entire stadium sensed what happened, yet they booed him. That is not the act of one individual.”
Schalke reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to fighting racism and promoting tolerance, stressing that such behavior has no place in football or society.
