FC Bayern Munich has strongly condemned racist comments against defender Dayot Upamecano on social media following their Champions League defeat at Lazio. “Upa had the very unfortunate foul with the red card,” said CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen on Thursday night in his banquet speech in the team hotel after the 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Lazio.
“What particularly bothered me were the disgusting comments on social media afterwards. All I can say is, that’s despicable. This kind of racist mob, that’s not our world. That’s not FC Bayern. That’s what, that we won’t put up with,” said Dreesen. There was applause in the hall for the words. The penalty due after the foul led to the decisive goal for the Romans.
The attacks were “absolutely despicable,” the club had already written on X, formerly Twitter, late on Wednesday evening immediately after the game. “Anyone who makes comments like that is not a fan of our club. We stand behind you, Upa!”
With his unsuccessful action, the 25-year-old Upamecano caused the only goal of the game from ex-Dortmunder Ciro Immobile. Upamecano was also shown a red card for hitting Lazio attacker Gustav Isaksen in the penalty area. The black footballer was then massively insulted on his Instagram profile.
