Youssoufa Moukoko hits out at ‘disgusting’ racial abuse after Germany’s 1-1 draw against Isreal

Youssoufa Moukoko has called for action after he and Jessic Ngankam received a torrent of racial abuse on social media as each missed penalties in Germany’s 1-1 U21 European Championship opener against Israel.

The 18-year-old saw his spot-kick saved in the first-half before Israel’s Daniel Paretz repeated his heroics to thwart Ngankam and salvage a point for the 10-men in the 80th minute. 

Moukoko condemned the vile abuse the pair had suffered after the game and demanded action.

‘When we win, we are all Germans. If we lose, these monkey comments come,’ he said post-match. ‘Jessic got them, I got them. It’s just not part of football.’

‘We’re trying to help the team. When you get messages like that, it’s disgusting. ‘This time it hurt. No player misses a penalty on purpose.

Ngankam (left) missed his spot-kick after coming on for Moukoko (right) in Thursday’s U21 Euro opener, before they were targeted with racist abuse across their social media pages

Captain Yann Aurel Bisseck scored the equaliser for Germany in their 1-1 draw in Georgia

‘I’m starting to have had enough. It’s time to make a statement against it.’

Thursday’s incident bears a sad resemblance to the final of Euros 2020, in 2021, when Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were similarly subjected to racial abuse after missing penalties against Italy.

The episode led to the jailing of a fan, who had live-streamed himself abusing the trio, for 10 weeks.

Germany U21 boss Antonio Di Salvo was quick to defend his players and queried why such behaviour often goes unpunished.

‘It’s absurd when people on the internet express themselves anonymously and racially insult our boys,’ he said. 

‘It can’t happen. And that’s why I need to protect our boys, who love to play for Germany, who are Germans and who give everything for our country, 1,000 per cent.

‘I am shocked and disappointed. I don’t know what you can do either – but it has to be punished.’

Marcus Rashford (middle) suffered abuse after coming on as a sub before missing his penalty 

Arsenal star Bukayo Saka also missed his effort and was abused on Instagram afterwards

Moukoko and Ngankam’s respective clubs showed their support for the young duo, posting messages of solidarity on Twitter after the incident.

‘The Borussia family is behind you, Youssoufa!’ read Dortmund’s statement. ‘We condemn the racist comments made against Youssoufa Moukoko and team-mate Jessic Ngankam following the DFB juniors’ game. Stay strong!

Hertha Berlin, where 22-year-old Ngankam plays his football after graduating from the academy, said: ‘Disgusting and despicable. No place for racism and discrimination. We stand behind you, Jessic and Youssoufa!’

UEFA is awaiting the report from the disciplinary body before any potential case is opened.