France vs Croatia game interrupted

The European handball association EHF has responded to discriminatory calls against French national players during the European Handball Championship in Germany and banned the spectators in question from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne. “There is no place for such behavior in European handball,” the EHF said on Friday.

On Thursday, the spectators in question at the game between Olympic champions France and Croatia (34:32) were identified and “removed from the stands” by security personnel. The association’s attention was drawn to public statements by French players. They said they had been racially insulted.

“We don’t need people like that.”

“There were some racist comments. That upset us. They insulted us, but that’s it. That’s the case, unfortunately it happens in all halls,” said Nicolas Tournat to the broadcaster Bein Sports.

Shortly before the end of the European Championship main round game, objects even flew towards the field and the game was briefly interrupted. “I think one of the Croatian fans threw a cup or something at us. But we don’t need people like that. Throw them out,” said French backcourt star Nedim Remili on Sport1.

“The European Handball Federation condemns all forms of racism, discrimination and intolerance. “Behavior aimed at discriminating against or racially insulting players, officials and spectators will not be tolerated at any match organized under the auspices of the EHF,” the EHF said.

Frank Heike, Cologne Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 6 Frank Heike, Cologne Published/Updated: Christian Kamp, Berlin Published/Updated: , Recommendations: 4

Thursday’s incident will be further discussed between the European Handball Federation and the German Handball Federation in order to take all possible measures to ensure that something similar does not happen again. In addition, the EHF announced talks with the Croatian delegation, “highlighting the extended responsibility of a delegation for the behavior of its fans at the championship matches”.