According to Le Parisien, former German international and 2014 FIFA World Cup winner Bastian Schweinsteiger is facing widespread criticism from German media and public opinion for controversial remarks he made before Germany's FIFA World Cup match against Côte d'Ivoire.
As a FIFA World Cup commentator for German public broadcaster ARD, Schweinsteiger stated in his pre-match analysis that the Côte d'Ivoire team played a kind of "African football," describing its style as "somewhat atypical," "unpredictable," and "a bit barbaric," while also claiming that this type of football "does not emphasize tactics like European teams."
Although Schweinsteiger's pre-match prediction that Germany would face a tough battle ultimately proved true—Germany narrowly defeated Côte d'Ivoire 2-1—the language he used quickly sparked controversy. Several German media outlets and commentators believe that terms like "barbaric" carry clear racist and colonial connotations.
Writer Philipp Ahouangan noted in an article in Der Spiegel: "Behind words like 'barbaric,' there are stereotypes older than football itself, rooted in racist and colonial thinking."
Deutsche Welle reported that Schweinsteiger is accused of using racist and colonial stereotypes, simplistically attributing the prowess of Black players to their physical abilities while disregarding their tactical understanding and intellectual capacity.
As of now, Schweinsteiger has not publicly apologized for his comments. After the match, he merely stated on social media: "Côte d'Ivoire was indeed the strong opponent we expected; they showed excellent technical ability and physical prowess."
Despite the ongoing controversy, ARD has not yet taken any disciplinary action against Schweinsteiger. The former Bayern Munich and Manchester United player continued to serve as a commentator for the England vs. Ghana match this Tuesday.
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karlkurt
0
Rudiger, Tah and alike should protests this....
they won't cause he isn't being racist
yupbcoruz
0
Everyone was calling the Vikings photo shoot before the World Cup barbaric bc it was a photo of them dressed as Vikings… another time people are looking for excuses to promote blacks
Huadektz
1
if they think it's racist when said. by a white man then dont participate organise your own black tournament with your own resources
you are behaving like a fool,,,, do you know that the west is developed on black man's blood, plunder of minerals, and Slavery. this countless at the moment so avoid being that naive
Kowacntyz
0
if they think it's racist when said. by a white man then dont participate organise your own black tournament with your own resources
nuzceknru
1
Those barbaric players with barbarian style of playing make up the German team too,he shoukd shut his racist mouth.
Wesekmprty
0
best African players supporting European countries, especially ned, ger, eng, fra, bel and others
Suubdlnuz
2
Rudiger, Tah and alike should protests this....
Lepabckpr
0
Black African players are the best performers, even those playing for colonists.
U need prayers, your racist is another level.
Wowekmnpz
1
Black African players are the best performers, even those playing for colonists.