Ghanaian forward Christopher Antwi-Adjei has voiced his deep disappointment after suffering racist abuse during Schalke 04’s DFB-Pokal first-round victory over FC Lokomotive Leipzig on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
The incident occurred in the 13th minute when Antwi-Adjei approached the touchline to take a throw-in and was subjected to racist insults from the stands. The 30-year-old immediately reported the abuse to the assistant referee, prompting a temporary halt to the match while a stadium announcement was made.
Instead of condemning the behavior, sections of the home supporters responded by booing Antwi-Adjei whenever he touched the ball until the final whistle.
Speaking to Bild after the game, the Schalke attacker recounted what happened:
“I didn’t hear any nice words. They were racist insults, which have no place here at any time. ‘Fucking nigger’ was called. I stayed cool, calm, and signalled to the linesman what had happened.
“You don’t have to tolerate everything, especially when you’re on the football pitch and representing your club. That has no place here. It’s very disappointing. We’ve advanced, and that’s what counts — or rather, should count.”
Reports in Germany confirm that the incident has been reported to the police, who have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrator.
Schalke officials have strongly condemned the abuse and reaffirmed their support for Antwi-Adjei, stressing that racism must never be tolerated in football.
