Ghanaian winger Christopher Antwi-Adjei was subjected to racist abuse during Schalke 04’s DFB-Pokal first-round match against Lokomotive Leipzig on Sunday, an incident that has drawn sharp condemnation from the club.

The abuse occurred in the 13th minute when the 31-year-old approached the touchline to take a throw-in.

At least one home supporter reportedly directed racist slurs at him, prompting the referee to briefly halt the game so a stadium announcement could be made.

However, instead of support, sections of the home crowd booed Antwi-Adjei each time he touched the ball until the final whistle.

Schalke later described the reaction as “utterly incomprehensible and disappointing.”

Following the match, Antwi-Adjei filed a complaint with police, who have since opened investigations into the incident.

“It is very disappointing to still have to experience something like this today.

It should not happen. I hope this person thinks again about their words,” Antwi-Adjei said.

Schalke’s sporting director, Frank Baumann, condemned the abuse, stating: “We condemn this behaviour in the strongest terms and hope the perpetrator will be identified.

Schalke stands firmly at Christopher’s side.”

Head coach Miron Muslic also expressed outrage, stressing that the matter extended beyond the actions of a single individual.

“We cannot just put this aside. The entire stadium sensed what happened, yet they booed him. That is not the act of one individual,” he remarked.

Schalke reiterated its long-standing commitment to combating racism and fostering tolerance, vowing to stand by Antwi-Adjei throughout the process.