Moukoko hits out at ‘disgusting’ racial abuse after Euro U21 opener

Youssoufa Moukoko hits out at ‘disgusting’ racial abuse on social media after the Borussia Dortmund star and team-mate Jessic Ngankam missed penalties during Germany’s 1-1 draw against Israel in Euro U21 opener

  • Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam were the targets of racial abuse online
  • Borussia Dortmund forward Moukoko has called for a ‘statement to be made’  
  • The pair each missed penalties in the defending champions’ draw with Isreal

Youssoufa Moukoko has called for action after he and Jessic Ngankam received a torrent of racial abuse on social media as each missed penalties in Germany’s 1-1 U21 European Championship opener against Israel.

The 18-year-old saw his spot-kick saved in the first-half before Israel’s Daniel Paretz repeated his heroics to thwart Ngankam and salvage a point for the ten-men in the 80th minute. 

Moukoko condemned the vile abuse the pair had suffered after the game and demanded action.

‘When we win, we are all Germans. If we lose, these monkey comments come,’ he said post-match. ‘Jessic got them, I got 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 misses a penalty on purpose.

Youssoufa Moukoko has spoken out against abuse he and team-mate Jessic Ngankam suffered

Ngankam missed his spot-kick after coming on for Moukoko in Thursday’s U21 Euro opener 

Captain Yann Aurel Bisseck scored the equaliser for Germany in their 1-1 draw in Georgia

‘I’m starting to have had enough. It’s time to make a statement against it.’

Thursday’s incident bears a sad resemblance to the final of the 2020 Euros in 2021 where Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were similarly subjected to racial abuse after missing penalties against Italy.

The episode led to the jailing of a fan, who had live-streamed himself abusing the trio, being jailed for 10 weeks.

Germany U21 boss Antonio Di Salvo was quick to defend his players and queried why such behaviour 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 need to protect our boys, who love to play for Germany, who are Germans and who give everything for our country, 1,000 per cent.

‘I am shocked and disappointed. I don’t know what you can do either — but it has to be punished.’

Marcus Rashford (middle) suffered abuse after coming on as a sub before missing his penalty 

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka also missed his effort and was abused 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 Dortmund’s statement. ‘We condemn the racist comments made against Youssoufa Moukoko and teammate Jessic Ngankam following the DFB juniors’ game. Stay strong!

While Hertha Berlin, where 22-year-old Ngankam plays his football after graduating from the academy, said: ‘Disgusting and despicable. No place for racism and discrimination. We stand behind you, Jessic and Youssoufa!’

UEFA is awaiting the report from the disciplinary body before any potential case is opened.

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