Bastian Schweinsteiger Called Out By Ivory Coast Manager For ‘Racist’ Remark

Former German soccer star Bastian Schweinsteiger has found himself in some hot water after being called out for “racist” comments made about the Cote d’Ivoire team at the FIFA World Cup.

Schweinsteiger, who has been serving as a commentator for German broadcast network ARD during the tournament, commented on the Elephant’s style of play, calling it “wild” and “a bit African.”

He also said that manager Emerse Fae’s team was “not conditioned by tactics” and described them as “unpredictable” and “unorthodox.”

The 41-year-old former Bayern Munich star made the comments prior to last Saturday’s match between Ivory Coast and his native Germany at Toronto Stadium.

During the match, Die Mannschaft fell behind during the first half before scoring twice in the second half to earn a 2-1 victory and clinch first place in Group E.

Fae didn’t take very kindly to Schweinsteiger’s comments, saying he found them “disappointing.”

“I think it’s sad. Schweinsteiger was a very good player. I have always loved him as a midfielder and the way he understood football,” Fae said before adding he felt the comments could be considered “racist.”

“When I heard his comments, I was disappointed in the man. It is odd he would speak that way. We could call it racist, if we were calling a spade a spade.”

Fae went on to say that he hopes that it wasn’t a case of racism and instead just a “clumsy” turn of phrase from the German.

“I don’t agree with him, but I have no other solution other than to work with things as they are,” Fae continued. “All I can show is that on the pitch African teams are not just physical, we are technical and tactical.

“I can only hope it is a clumsy statement, rather than something going on in his mind. If that’s what he thinks, he is free to do so.”

Fae also suggested that Schweinsteiger might’ve made the comments to attract attention.

Despite the loss to Germany, Fae’s team has done very well so far at the World Cup. Cote d’Ivoire won its other two group stage matches to clinch second place in Group E and advance to the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time.

The Elephants’ Round of 32 match is set for June 30 and will be a tough one as they face off against the second-place finisher from Group I – either France or Norway.

Germany next plays on June 29 against a yet-to-be decided third-place team.