Accra: The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has strongly condemned racial attacks against Ghanaian internationals Christopher Antwi-Adjei and Antoine Semenyo. Over the weekend, the two Black Stars players were involved in separate incidents of racism and bigotry in respective matches for their club sides.
According to Ghana News Agency, Semenyo, who scored two goals in a season's opener against Liverpool, suffered some racial attacks, likewise for Schalke's Antwi-Adjei in the German Cup tie against FC Lokomotive Leipzig. Standing in solidarity with Antwi-Adjei, the GFA said in a statement, "Racism demeans the game we love and undermines the values of respect, equality, and unity that football seeks to promote."
The GFA commended the swift actions taken by the referee, Schalke captain Kenan Karaman, and the match officials in halting the game, as well as the firm stance of Schalke 04 and its leadership in rejecting all forms of discrimination. They also noted the commencement of police investigations and urged that the perpetrators are identified and face the full consequences of their actions. The GFA stands firmly with Christopher Antwi-Adjei during this difficult time, acknowledging his courage in speaking out against racial abuse as an example for the fight against discrimination in football and beyond.
The GFA had previously made similar statements for Semenyo, strongly condemning the incident that happened over the weekend. While the incident is deeply concerning, the GFA highlighted Antoine's remarkable response. In the face of provocation, he chose grace over grievance, strength of character over victimhood, and unity over division.
Antoine not only showcased his exceptional talent on the pitch with two goals but also displayed extraordinary maturity and dignity off it. His statement reflected the true spirit of football: seeing the good in the football community and acknowledging solidarity, tolerance, respect, and the love for a game that unites people across the world. The GFA applauds Antoine Semenyo for being both an outstanding footballer and an inspiring role model, extending heartfelt gratitude to the English football community and the global football family for the immense support shown to him.
