German league match abandoned over racism to be replay

The German third-division match between VfL Osnabrueck and Duisburg abandoned last weekend over an alleged racist incident will be replayed, the federation (DFB) said Thursday, reported dpa.

"The replay of the game meets the requests of the clubs involved," said the DFB, whose own control committee recommended the same.

It was the first time a German professional football match has been abandoned because of suspected racism.

Osnabrueck player Aaron Opoku was so upset at what he heard shouted by a home fan that he and his team-mates could no longer play in Sunday's match at Duisburg which was initially halted then abandoned. A 55-year-old man was arrested.

"The accused has made a statement. In addition, videos are being viewed and other witnesses are being questioned," a police spokeswoman told dpa on Monday.

A racist insult can result in a fine or a prison sentence of up to one year.

But police said there are witness statements that "another player could have been meant" as the target of the insult, namely white Osnabrueck player Florian Kleinhansl not Opoku.

Investigations continue, with police also checking if there were monkey sounds, as indicated by the referee.