Racism scandal in football: functional as a rat!

Racism scandal in football: functional as a rat!

A club official of the A district league team Sportfreunde Habinghorst/things is the focus of a scandalous incident. As Reviersport is circulating in the amateur football scene, which shows the functional, as he Muslimische People insulted as "rats". The video was shared by a player of the club in an internal group, with pictures of the correctional facility in Castrop-Rauxel.

The allegations made against the official are explosive. Although he vehemently denies and indicates the allegations of not having any knowledge of the video, the association has now identified it and has terminated its membership and its board mandate in writing. Klaus Holzner, chairman of the association, was shocked by the incidents and referred to earlier racist statements of the man.

club reaction and player protests

The board of Sportfreunde Habinghorst/things had previously made it clear to the official that racist ideas were not tolerated. In view of the fact that the team mostly consists of Muslim players who are in Ramadan's fasting month, there was an impending refusal to play. According to Holzner, the players consider not competing against Wacker Obercastrop II in front of an important match, but ultimately decided to carry out the game.

The video was quickly taken offline again after its original parts, but the waves still hit up. The incident also raises fundamental questions about attitude in German football, especially with regard to racism and discrimination.

a broader problem in football

In a broader context, the need for sustainable measures against discrimination in football is always discussed. Berchem, a critic of the current situation, criticizes the lack of concerted actions in sports and demands support from the German Football Association (DFB) for these efforts. A survey by the Humboldt University also shows that many board members are committed to discriminated groups, but only a small part actually implemented concrete measures.

The DFB plans to start a campaign entitled "Football time is the best time against racism" for the Euro 2024. Among other things, clubs can order corner flags with anti -racism motifs in order to set an example against discrimination. Nevertheless, the doubts about the effectiveness of such initiatives are great. Thiam, a former professional, expresses skepticism about the sustainability of the existing discussions and calls the success of non-white officials in German football.

The events related to Sportfreunde Habinghorst/things are not only an isolated case, but also open the discussion about the deeply rooted challenges with which football is confronted in Germany. In this sense, it remains to be hoped that the incident leads to a rethink for both those responsible and in the fan circles.