“Knock out the Bimbo”. I can still hear these words today as if it were yesterday when an audience member tried to verbally bring down our midfield strategist for the first time. But it was fourteen years ago. No one responded to the interjection and our player wasn't killed either. Yet these words still echo when I think of that hot summer day.
The “Bimbo” successfully completed his law degree a few years ago and is now working as a lawyer. And the heckler will probably grumble about asylum seekers in the club house after five beers.
“Kanackensau” It was also heard on the square several times. Kanackensau was our defense boss and when our Ottoman turned to the opponent in the deepest Lower Bavarian dialect asking “Wos host du g'sogt”, the scene was often reminiscent of a television interview by David Alaba. Skuril but at the same time unfortunately always more sad than funny.
The recent incidents with Michy Batshuayi have once again made it clear that the issue has not lost its relevance even in the professional sector. Last week, the 36 professional clubs signed the “Stop Prejudices” campaign for the third time after 2012 and 2015.
We have therefore also decided to launch a campaign with which we want to set an example against racism in amateur soccer. Grätsche gegen Rechts is not only intended to draw attention to the problem, but also to make us all more aware that we can actively contribute to positive change.
36 Bundesliga clubs are not much. 25,000 amateur clubs, on the other hand, are a whole lot.
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Almost 7 million people are organized in German amateur clubs, and significantly more across Germany are enthusiastic about this sport. Let's make it clear to the agitators, who still throw around words like “Bimbo” and “Kanackensau” today, that they have nothing in common with us.
Football has made incredible contributions in this area in recent years and has given many young people hope. By integrating war refugees into amateur associations, they have contributed to reducing fears of contact and allowing people to connect.
Training and ninety minutes on the soccer field, in which our sport represents a common language, are a good start to counteract prejudices and become a “team.” No matter in which country we were born, which language we speak and regardless of the color of our skin.
We want to bring about change through a positive atmosphere.
“CHANGE YOUR GAME” also stands for “CHANGE YOUR MIND GAME.”
With “Grätsche gegen Rechts” You set an Exclamation Mark!
A change of thought that should help to make the wall disappear in people's minds. And which should remind us to aggressively and consistently confront the hecklers with their behavior.
Our sport unites us and together we can get a good cause off the ground. That is why we want to with the campaign Grätsche gegen Rechts Set an example against racism in amateur soccer and send a clear signal. To our new players, but also to all callers.
For me, the photo of our national team represents an incredible success. For what Germany can be: a country in which people from different backgrounds can overcome borders and create great things together. Like winning the World Champion title, for example.
Be fearless. Be focused. B42
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