Threats against professional soccer player Juma Bah: racist plague

The message that FC Augsburg sent after the 1-1 draw against Union Berlin was clear: "Today our player Juma Bah was racially insulted and threatened with death on Instagram in the most disgusting way. His family was also threatened. We are shocked by this hatred. And we make it unmistakably clear: We will not tolerate such behavior," the club posted on its social media channels. He responded to racist insults against the Sierra Leone national player on Instagram.

Michael Ströll, managing director of FC Augsburg, had previously published a screenshot of a disgusting Instagram post. “I will kill you and your entire fucking family,” it said, among other things, along with relevant racist insults. And: “They should have been burned long ago, these bastards, these black n*s.” FC Augsburg announced that it would take legal action.

FC Augsburg's posts were liked by the accounts of several fan clubs from all over Germany. And 1. FC Union Berlin also supported the Augsburg club's message, which also said: "No matter what skin color, origin, religion or nationality - every person deserves respect, dignity and security."

The threats against Bah, who was sent off in the game against Union after a foul in the 63rd minute, are an expression of a racist mood among many fans that is repeatedly expressed on social media. The problem also exists in other European leagues. In the Premier League, players kneel before kick-off during the month of action in October to draw attention to racism in football and in society. Such an action would certainly be good for the Bundesliga.