Former U.S. men’s national team winger Julian Green was subjected to racial abuse in a German Cup match on Saturday.
Green and Greuther Fürth defeated Hallescher FC 1-0 in the first round of the competition, but much of the post-game talk centered on the racist words coming from the stands at Hallescher’s Leuna Chemie Stadion.
“It was a spectator during the game,” Green, who is Black, told Fürth’s club site after the match. “But I didn’t want to let that upset us because I really wanted to win. And that’s what hurts them the most.”
Fürth manager Alex Zorniger was livid, urging fans to stand up to racists in the stands.
“One of my players, Julian Green, was racially insulted at the stadium and called a monkey,” said Zorniger. “I know how important it is for a country to feel like you’re united. If [someone] thinks he really has to insult someone racially, then the [German federation] can run another respect campaign. But it’s about showing our own character.
“I don’t want us to live in a time where one person thinks they are worth more than another… Get up and say: That doesn’t work! We are a great country and we have to present ourselves accordingly.”
Nach dem #Kleeblatt-Sieg in Halle gab es Redebedarf – nicht nur aus sportlicher Sicht. #NoToRacism
Hier die Stimmen zu #HFCSGF: https://t.co/xjQpkIBZVA pic.twitter.com/7IDVw4dsP0
— SPVGG GREUTHER FÜRTH (@kleeblattfuerth) August 12, 2023
Per German news agency DPA, a spokeswoman for Hallescher apologized on behalf of the club.
Green — who has emerged as a regular over the last five seasons with Fürth — played the full 90 minutes as his side claimed victory over their third-tier opponents, securing a place the German Cup’s second round draw.
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