Nigerian duo Leon Balogun and Anthony Ujah were racially abused on Saturday during a Bundesliga game between Hannover and Mainz 05 by the home fans and it may not be unconnected with their stance against the same act a few days before.
Balogun, who is German-born, and Ujah had joined the campaign against clothing company H&M for launching an ad with a black kid modelling an apparel with an inappropriate message.
So the white kid is the “survival expert” and the black kid’s “the coolest monkey in the jungle” yeah?! 2018 and we still have to bear this kind of non-sense, injustice & disrespect?! @hm please get yourself a reasonable, intelligent marketing manager ASAP!! 🤦🏽♂️ #smh pic.twitter.com/HrzuIDhT5W
— Leon Balogun (@LeonBalogun) January 8, 2018
German-born Balogun tweeted that the pair were subjected to racial abuse, including “monkey chants” by Hannover fans while warming up as substitutes.
#NoToRacism pic.twitter.com/1VSWcqbeFs
— Leon Balogun (@LeonBalogun) January 14, 2018
In reaction to the allegations, Hannover issued a statement condemning action of its fans.
The club said, “racism has no place in football or society.”
“It was a mindless action of a few individuals that we do not accept as part of our community of Hannover.
“They have nothing in common with the values for which our club has long stood for. We have already set in motion and will do everything possible to identify those so that such a shameful incident cannot be repeated.
“We are grateful for any hints that help to identify these people. You’re right, Leon: there should not be room for racism in any corner of the world – and that’s our very clear statement!”
Mainz confirmed the abuse and have contacted “the relevant authorities”.
