Youssoufa Moukoko lashes out at ‘disgusting’ racist abuse on social media after Borussia Dortmund star and teammate Jessic Ngankam missed penalties during Germany’s 1-1 draw with Israel in Euro U21 opener
- Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessica Ngankam were the target of racist abuse online
- Borussia Dortmund striker Moukoko has called for a ‘statement to be made’
- The pair each missed penalties in the defending champions’ tie with Isreal
Youssoufa Moukoko has called for action after he and Jessica Ngankam received a deluge of racist slurs on social media as they both missed penalties in Germany’s 1-1 U21 European Championship opener against Israel.
The 18-year-old saw his penalty saved in the first half before Israel’s Daniel Paretz repeated his exploits to thwart Ngankam and save a point for the ten men in the 80th minute.
Moukoko condemned the vile abuse the pair suffered after the game and demanded action.
“If we win, we’ll all be Germans. If we lose, these monkey comments will come,” he said after the game. “Jessic has them, I have them. It’s just not part of football.’
“We’re trying to help the team. When you get messages like that, it’s disgusting. “This time it hurt. No player deliberately misses a penalty kick.
Youssoufa Moukoko has spoken out against the abuse he and teammate Jessica Ngankam suffered
Ngankam missed his penalty after coming on for Moukoko in the U21 Euro opener on Thursday
Captain Yann Aurel Bisseck scored the equalizer for Germany in their 1–1 draw in Georgia
‘I’m starting to get tired of it. It’s time to make a statement against it.’
Thursday’s incident bears a sad resemblance to the 2021 Euro 2020 final, where Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka similarly suffered racist abuse after missing penalties against Italy.
The episode led to the jailing of a fan, who live-streamed himself abusing the trio, and received a 10-week jail sentence.
Germany U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo was quick to defend his players, questioning why such behavior often goes unpunished.
“It’s absurd when people on the internet express themselves anonymously and racially insult our boys,” he said.
‘It can’t happen. And that’s why I have to protect 1000 percent our guys, who like to play for Germany, are Germans and give everything for our country.
“I am shocked and disappointed. I don’t know what you can do either – but it must be punished.’
Marcus Rashford (centre) was manhandled after coming on as a substitute before missing his penalty kick
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka also missed his effort and was scolded on Instagram afterwards
Moukoko and Ngankam’s respective clubs also showed their support for the young duo, posting messages of solidarity on Twitter after the incident.
“The Borussia family is behind you, Youssoufa!” read the Dortmund statement. “We condemn the racist remarks against Youssoufa Moukoko and teammate Jessic Ngankam after the DFB juniors game. Stay strong!
While Hertha Berlin, where 22-year-old Ngankam plays football after graduating from the academy, said: ‘Disgusting and despicable. No place for racism and discrimination. We stand with you, Jessica and Youssoufa!’
UEFA is awaiting the disciplinary body’s report before opening a potential case.