Liverpool U18s Stage Protests After Alleged Racist Abuse in Germany

Liverpool Football Club has called for an “urgent and thorough” investigation following two incidents where their under-18s team left the pitch in response to alleged racial abuse during the Bundesliga Cup youth tournament in Schwabisch Hall, Germany.

The first incident occurred on Friday during a match against Hoffenheim, when a Liverpool player reported being racially targeted. The team walked off the field in solidarity with the player.

The situation repeated itself on Saturday in a game against Frankfurt, leading to the abandonment of the match after the same player reported similar abuse.

In a statement, Liverpool FC emphasized their support for the player, commending his courage and maturity in reporting the incidents:

“Liverpool FC can confirm that a member of our under-18s team reported he was racially abused by an opponent while playing in the Bundesliga Cup youth tournament at Schwabisch Hall in Germany on Friday,” the club said. “The player immediately alerted the match official, his team-mates and our coaching staff. Consequently, LFC’s management team decided to stop the game and leave the pitch together.”

The club reiterated its stance on zero tolerance towards racism and its commitment to protecting its players from discriminatory behavior.

In response, Frankfurt’s sporting director, Timmo Hardung, claimed the incident was a misunderstanding stemming from linguistic differences, asserting that the accused player was not racially abusive:

“We can rule out racism. It is a linguistic issue,” Hardung told German newspaper Bild. “We therefore hope that we have also cleared up the misunderstanding with the players concerned and those responsible at Liverpool FC.”

Hardung further stated that racism has no place in football and emphasized that the club takes such accusations very seriously.

Liverpool FC has urged tournament organizers and relevant authorities to conduct a swift and comprehensive investigation to address the incidents and ensure the safety and respect of all players involved.