LEIPZIG: German police have started an investigation on suspicion of racist chants from Austrian fans ahead of their team’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 match against Turkiye.
Fans were heard in a Swiss TV broadcast chanting “Foreigners out!” and “Germany for Germans” in downtown Leipzig to the tune of hit party song “L’Amour Toujours” by Gigi D’Agostino.
Police said they are investigating the matter. The song which is originally peaceful is regularly played in connection with the Austria team.
The Austrian FA had initially requested that it should be played in stadiums after Euro match victories, but withdrawn it after a growing number of racist incidents around the song in Germany in the past weeks.
The incidents caused outrage in Germany after videos went viral online.
Police in several German states have launched criminal investigations on suspicion of incitement to hatred.
A video of revellers outside a pub on the chic, exclusive North Sea island of Sylt shouting “Foreigners out – Germany for Germans” to the tune of the party hit has prompted condemnation and nationwide headlines. — dpa
