In the first round of the DFB Cup, Schalke 04 is playing away at regional league club Lok Leipzig. The match is interrupted after just a few minutes.

Just thirteen minutes into the game, play is interrupted. In the first round of the DFB Cup, second division soccer club FC Schalke 04 is playing away at regional league club 1. FC Lokomotive Leipzig. Schalke’s Christopher Antwi-Adjei wanted to take a throw-in in front of the Leipzig main stand at the Bruno-Plache-Stadion. However, Antwi-Adjei broke off the play and went to referee Dr. Max Burda – apparently because he had been insulted. Antwi-Adjei then spoke to his captain, Kenan Karaman, who also discussed the matter with the referee. This was followed by an announcement by the stadium announcer, which could not be heard in the media seats, and a pause lasting several minutes. What prompted Antwi-Adjei to interrupt the throw-in remained unclear at first. The broadcasting station Sky speculated that it could have been racist remarks directed at Antwi-Adjei.

After a short break, the game continued. But not without consequences for Antwi-Adjei: from then on, he was booed every time he touched the ball.

During the half-time break, a spokesperson for Lok Leipzig told Sky that there were apparently two allegations: Antwi-Adjei had been hit by an object, which he had complained about. However, there had also been abusive chants beforehand. Lok Leipzig was unable to confirm this. Nevertheless, an announcement was made in the stadium calling for an end to racist insults. According to the spokesperson, these had no place in the stadium anyway.

Schalke 04 has now also commented on social media. Accompanying a picture of Antwi-Adjei, the club wrote: “Stand up against racism!”

After the game, Antwi-Adjei also commented on the incident: “That was racism. It has no place on the pitch or in everyday life. I don’t even want to repeat the words. I find it disappointing. These are isolated individuals in the stadium who think they are better than others. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, but I signaled to the linesman that something had happened.”

Kenan Karaman also expressed his displeasure: “It casts a shadow over the whole game. I told the referee straight away that we wouldn’t continue if it went on like that. I’m glad Christopher reacted the way he did. I think it’s a shame because the first round of the cup is always a highlight for a team like ours.”