Brutal Antisemitic Attack on Jewish Team At German Soccer Match

Jewish athletes in Germany were violently attacked during a soccer game last Sunday, with witnesses describing shocking abuse and physical assaults throughout and after the match, the German Jewish outlet Juedische Allgemeine reported Wednesday.

The violence erupted during a regional league clash between Maccabi Köln and Nippes 78. Players from Maccabi were spat on, insulted, and beaten both on the field and after the game ended.

Jewish players reported that they were subjected to slurs such as “stinking Zionists,” “dirty Jewish bunch,” and “Jewish pig.” Several were spat on, cursed, and brutally assaulted.

When the final whistle blew, the aggression escalated further. Maccabi players were choked, dragged by their hair, and struck in the head. One supporter, described as an antisemitic fan linked to the Nippes 78 side, allegedly punched a Maccabi Köln player.

“What we experienced in Köln this weekend was shocking and shameful,” said Witek Krimlowski, chairman of Maccabi Köln. “Antisemitic insults, physical attacks and open violence are no longer associated with fair sport. Köln is a cosmopolitan city — but such an event shows how urgently we need consistent action and the protection of Jewish life here as well. We expect the association to take a clear position and that those who attacked our players will be punished immediately.”