Schröder Speaks Out: Germany Triumphs Amidst Racist Abuse at EM!
Dennis Schröder faces racist abuse during Germany's 100:85 win over Lithuania at the EuroBasket 2025 in Tampere.
Schröder Speaks Out: Germany Triumphs Amidst Racist Abuse at EM!
The recent European Basketball Championship game on August 30, 2025, saw the German national team shine with a remarkable 107:88 victory against Lithuania. The triumph not only secured their place in the knockout phase but also revealed a dark side of sport that cannot go unnoticed. Captain Dennis Schröder summarized the complexity of the night, noting that while the victory was sweet, it was marred by racist insults directed at him from the stands.
As Schröder walked towards the locker rooms, he was subjected to monkey noises, a blatant act of racism that he rightfully condemned. Two individuals responsible for the offensive behavior were swiftly identified by the German coaching staff and removed from the Nokia Arena in Tampere. “Racism should not be tolerated in basketball,” Schröder expressed, clearly hurt by the incident. His concerns echo what many in the sporting community believe: that such behavior has no place in our society. DBB coach Alan Ibrahimagic stated that “this kind of behavior is unacceptable in sports,” and called for collective action against it. This sentiment was supported by Ingo Weiss, President of the German Basketball Federation (DBB), who indicated their intention to address the incident with the event organizers.
On the Court: An Impressive Performance
Despite the off-the-court drama, Germany’s players exhibited exceptional skill during the game. Schröder led the charge with a stunning 26 points, followed closely by Franz Wagner, who not only scored 24 points but also grabbed the most rebounds—7. Daniel Theis chipped in with 23 points, showcasing his prowess both defensively and offensively.
The game unfolded with Germany launching off to a strong start, leading 10-2 early on. However, Lithuania fought back, showing why they remain one of Europe’s competitive teams. The tension in the arena was palpable, especially with approximately 4,000 Lithuanian fans in attendance, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement. At halftime, Germany led by a slim margin of eight points, and they managed to maintain their composure through the second half, ultimately increasing their lead to secure the win.
A Look Ahead
With three wins in as many games, Germany is now eyeing group dominance as they prepare for their next fixture against Great Britain—a match that, if won, would solidify their top position in the group. Following that, they face Finland in their final game before the knockout stages begin on September 6. The team is motivated, with Ibrahimagic urging them to maintain their pace and focus, ensuring that they are not just competitors, but champions in every sense of the word.
This incident highlights not only the challenges of the sport but the broader social issues entwined within it. The contrast between the joyous celebration of athletic achievement and the persistent shadow of racism emphasizes the need for vigilance and proactive measures within all sporting environments. The hope is that every game can be played in a spirit of respect and equality, both on and off the court.
For more details on the events of the game and the team’s performance, you can read the full reports on RP Online and Sportschau. More information about the incident can be found in the piece by Der Spiegel.