By Kwame Bediako
Ghanaian international Christopher Antwi-Adjei was subjected to racist abuse on Sunday, August 17, 2025, during Schalke 04’s DFB-Pokal first-round match against Lokomotive Leipzig, prompting outrage and renewed calls for action against discrimination in football.
The incident occurred in the 13th minute when the 31-year-old winger approached the touchline to take a throw-in and was insulted by at least one home supporter.
The referee responded by briefly pausing play and issuing a stadium-wide announcement addressing the abuse. However, instead of supporting the victim, sections of the Lokomotive Leipzig crowd turned on Antwi-Adjei, booing him with every touch of the ball for the rest of the game.
Schalke 04 later described the reaction as “utterly incomprehensible and disappointing.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, Antwi-Adjei 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.”
The player filed a complaint with the police after the match, and authorities have launched an investigation.
Schalke’s sporting director, Frank Baumann, condemned the abuse and pledged unwavering support for Antwi-Adjei.
“We condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and hope the perpetrator will be identified. Schalke stands firmly at Christopher’s side,” Baumann said.
Head coach Miron Muslic stressed the wider impact of the incident, noting, “We cannot just put this aside. The entire stadium sensed what happened, yet they booed him. That is not the act of one individual.”
Schalke reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to fighting racism and promoting tolerance in football, vowing to work closely with investigators to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The incident has once again highlighted the persistence of racism in sport and the responsibility of clubs, fans, and authorities to uphold the values of respect and equality.
