Bayer Leverkusen’s professional Nadiem Amiri has accepted a quick apology. The fuss about the racism allegations is not over for 1. FC Union Berlin. Manager Oliver Ruhnert rejected an alleged derailment of defender Florian Hübner on Saturday. The words “Scheiß Afghane” in the direction of the German national soccer player Amiri should therefore not have been uttered.
“He did not say that,” said Ruhnert in a digital press conference of the Bundesliga club on Saturday. The German Football Association announced shortly afterwards that the control committee would initiate an investigation at the beginning of the week. Ruhnert added that “to denounce” Hübner racism was “difficult” if only because of the skin color of his wife. There will be no sanction against the 29-year-old defender by the club. However, the DFB control committee will deal with the wild scenes and apparently rude statements after the Bundesliga game on Friday evening between Union and Bayer Leverkusen (1-0). Referee Florian Badstübner had noted the events in the game report.
It is still unclear which statements were made
“Regardless of the outcome of these proceedings, the DFB generally does not tolerate any racism or discrimination in its seats. This is an absolute no-go for us and will be punished accordingly if it is proven,” said Chairman Anton Nachreiner.
For Amiri himself, the matter in the stadium at the Alte Försterei was already settled the morning after. “He came into my dressing room. Out of the emotions, ugly words were uttered that he is very sorry about. He gave me credible assurance that this is the thing for me,” said the 24-year-old from his club quoted.
Which statements were actually made is still open, both after Amiri’s statement and according to Ruhnert’s statements. According to the Union manager, there were an unusually large number of heated statements from players from both clubs during and after the game. Apologies were exchanged from both sides after the game. You are at peace with Leverkusen, stressed Ruhnert.
Both clubs are clearly positioning themselves
Union coach Urs Fischer (left) tries to intervene in the situation
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“Racism has no place in our society and therefore also in football. We are therefore grateful to 1. FC Union Berlin and Bayer 04 Leverkusen that both clubs positioned themselves quickly and clearly immediately after the game,” tweeted the German Football League on Saturday.
Whatever was said, Huebner’s remorse must have been convincing to Amiri. Before that, he was upset on the lawn and outraged because of the verbal argument. Only through the clear words of his Bayer colleague Jonathan Tah in the DAZN interview was the incident public in its scope. Ruhnert now assumed that Tah also only knew the words from “hearsay”.
On TV pictures you can only see Amiri talking to several opponents angrily. The gestures and facial expressions of those involved highlight the tense mood. The trigger was apparently a dispute about an alleged foul play shortly before Cedric Teuchert’s winning goal (88th minute). Amiri had complained about it and had been warned by the referee.
Union coach Fischer reacts cautiously
“I can’t prove it, I’ll address it, we’ll try to sort it out,” promised Union coach Urs Fischer. Union Berlin clearly stands for anti-racism, said Union communications chief Christian Arbeit in an initial reaction. “We apologize if it went like that. We’re sorry, we’d like to tell the guests about that again here,” emphasized the press spokesman. Fischer had also reacted sensitively to the incidents.
Amiri, whose parents came to Germany from Afghanistan in the 80s, is said to have sat in the dressing room after the game. His friend and colleague Kerem Demirbay accused the referee of not having the situation in view.
jst / hf (dpa / sid)
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