German soccer federation probes alleged racial slur used on Bayer Leverkusen’s Nadiem Amiri

Image Source : AP Nadiem Amiri of Bayer Leverkusen strikes away in the course of the German Bundesliga soccer match in opposition to Union Berlin in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Jan. 15
The German soccer federation is investigating whether or not Union Berlin participant Florian Hübner used a xenophobic slur in opposition to Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Nadiem Amiri when the Bundesliga groups performed Friday.
The federation mentioned Saturday that there was a “suspicion” that Hübner racially insulted Amiri, whose mother and father are from Afghanistan, on the finish of Union’s 1-0 win.
“We will take on this initial suspicion and initiate appropriate investigations at the start of the new week,” mentioned Anton Nachreiner, chairman of the federation’s management committee. “For the first step, we will write to everyone involved and ask them to comment. We will also evaluate the available material up to then.”
Nachreiner mentioned the federation “fundamentally does not tolerate any racism or discrimination.”
Friday’s recreation ended with Amiri angrily approaching Hübner and pointing his finger within the Union defender’s face after the ultimate whistle. Amiri additionally had heated phrases with different Union gamers. Union coach Urs Fischer tried with out success to console the livid midfielder.
Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah instructed broadcaster DAZN that Amiri was abused by an opponent who used a racially charged time period referring to the Germany midfielder’s Afghan background.
“It doesn’t belong on the football pitch, no matter how emotional things get,” Tah mentioned. “It’s the most bitter part of the evening. I hope there are consequences.”

Amiri mentioned Saturday that he accepted an apology from the participant concerned.
“He came to me in the changing room after the game,” Amiri instructed Leverkusen’s web site. “There were ugly words on the pitch said in the heat of the moment that he’s very sorry for. He credibly assured me of that and therefore the matter is now settled for me.”
Neither Amiri nor Tah referred to the Union participant by identify.
Fischer missed the incident.
“I heard there were words on the pitch that have no place on the pitch,” Fischer mentioned after the sport, earlier than calling for an investigation.
Union welcomed the federation’s investigation.
“Union Berlin completely distances itself from racism and discrimination in football and in our society. To be clear: it’s not acceptable in any form,” the membership mentioned on Twitter.