Football, Manuel Akanji about racism - view

The death of the African-American George Floyd after a brutal police action triggers a worldwide wave of solidarity with dark-skinned people and a strong movement against racism. An important share of the football. Whether knee or special jerseys, he puts up with clear messages is a sign. In the middle of national team and Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.

The Swiss, whose father comes from Nigeria, shows among other things with a logo on his training Shirt edge. "Not black, not white, not yellow, not red – man", it says. In addition, the 24-Year-old took place last night in the SRF-Political show "Arena" in clear words. The death of George Floyd had to initiate a turn, so Akanji. "I wish that deeds. That racism is increasingly being exposed and condemned."

raised On the Video of the gruesome death of Floyd, says Akanji: "something in the 21st century. Century can still happen, makes me sad. Especially that a human being can be to another, abusing, and that if the act is committed by a police officer who was supposed to protect is actually the people. This has hurt me already."

Akanji know what it means to be racism confronted. "It's happened to me often in everyday life," says Zürcher. For example, if he was going, "out to shop". Racism was a widespread Problem. "Not only in America but also in Germany and in Switzerland. It happens everywhere in everyday life, even in the case of the children on the Playground."

And, of course, in sports. Akanji: "In connection with the Swiss national team, you have heard that it was only the Swiss "right". I mean, what right Swiss" and "not correct Swiss are ""?" He appeal to all, for a rethinking of the society. "There must be a willingness to look the other way behind the questions, and, above all, also for others."

The Dortmund defender is progressing in this regard, not only in the role of the Professional footballer as a role model, but also as a father. For about a month Akanji and his wife Melanie are the parents of son Aayden Malik Adebayo are. The Small you want to give on the way, "that he is proud of who he is". But others accepted as they are. "No matter how you look, should also treat others with respect. I am of the view that we are all the same. Whether one is black or white or yellow or whatever."