“There were racist statements”: France’s handball players made serious allegations against Croatian spectators at the European Championships. The European continental association EHF condemns the incident and announces talks.
“The European Handball Federation is aware of public statements by players of the French national team, according to which they were the target of racist shouts during the main round match between France and Croatia.”the EHF announced on Friday (January 19, 2024). “There is no place for such behavior in European handball.”
On Thursday, the spectators in question were identified and identified by security personnel during the game between Olympic champions France and Croatia (34:32). “removed from the stands” been.
“We don’t need people like that”
The association’s attention was drawn to public statements by French players. They said they had been insulted. “There were some racist comments. That upset us. They insulted us, but that’s it. That’s the way it is, unfortunately it happens in all halls.”said Nicolas Tournat at BEIN Sports.
Shortly before the end of the European Championship main round game, objects apparently flew towards the field and the game was briefly interrupted. “I think one of the Croatian fans threw a cup or something at us. But we don’t need people like that. Throw them out.”said French backcourt star Nedim Remili at Sport1.
EHF and DHB condemn “racism, Discrimination and intolerance”
“The European Handball Federation condemns all forms of racism, discrimination and intolerance. Behavior aimed at discriminating against or racially insulting players, officials and spectators will not be tolerated at any game organized under the auspices of the EHF.”said the EHF.
The German Handball Federation (DHB) agreed with the EHF’s statement “100 percent on”said DHB CEO Mark Schober when asked by SID. The association “Strongly condemns all forms of racism, discrimination and intolerance. Our sport must not provide a playing field for this.”
Thursday’s incident will be further discussed between the European Handball Federation and the DHB in order to take all possible measures to ensure that something similar does not happen again.
In addition, the EHF announced talks with the Croatian delegation “highlighting the increased responsibility of a delegation for the behavior of its fans at championship matches”.