Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam racially abused on social media after Germany U-21s’ draw vs Israel

Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam were both racially abused on social media after the Germany U-21s were held to a 1-1 draw by Israel in their U-21 Euro opener.

Germany U-21s began their UEFA European U-21 Championship campaign on Thursday with a 1-1 draw against Israel. Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam both had their penalties saved on a frustrating evening for Antonio di Salvo’s side. After the game, Moukoko and Ngankam were both subject to racist and discriminatory comments on social media.

Moukoko reacted to the disgusting racist abuse he received after the game, and said that this is not the first time he has received such comments on social media. The Borussia Dortmund striker added that something needs to be done to put an end to racism.

"“When we win, we are all Germans, if we lose, we are black people, and then the monkey comments come,” Moukoko said (via Kicker). “Things like this just don’t belong in football. It’s disgusting.”“This time it hurt me. We try to shoot the penalties as best we can. In the end we both missed, we have to accept that.”“These are people who have nothing to do. We are all the same, we all bleed the same blood. I’m getting tired of it, I think it’s time to make a statement against it.”"

The German football family rallied around Youssoufa Moukoko and Jessic Ngankam after the game, and condemned the racist abuse the duo were subjected to.

Germany U-21s head coach Antonio di Salvo also said that he was shocked and disappointed by the news, and added that people who racially abuse players on social media should be punished.

"“I think it’s unacceptable for people to make anonymous comments on the internet and racially abuse our boys. These are boys who love playing for Germany, who are Germans, who give everything for their country. Therefore, I’m personally shocked and disappointed. Any kind of discrimination and racism is the lowest of the low.”"

Germany U-21s will next be in action at the UEFA European U-21 Championship on Sunday as they take on Czech Republic.