AUSTRIA
Ghanaian striker Tekpetey banned for reaction to racist insults
Bernard Tekpetey was sent off and banned for his reaction to apparent racist abuse from rival followers during an Austrian Cup match.
Ghanaian striker Bernard Tekpetey, who plays for Austrian Bundesliga club Altach on loan from Germany’s Schalke 04, has been handed a two-match ban after his reaction towards alleged racist insults.
Tekpetey gestures to opposing supporters
According to reports, the 20-year-old made inappropriate gestures towards Union Gurten’s fans after scoring his team’s fourth goal from a free-kick in an Austrian Cup tie on Wednesday.
Thanks to Tekpetey’s extra-time goal, Altach defeated Union Gurten 4-3.
The Ghanaian was immediately sent off, and although the Austrian League recognised that the Ghanaian was exposed to provocation, they also supported the referee’s decision.
After considering the amount of provocations towards Tekpetey, the Austrian League’s disciplinary committee decided that the second of the two-match ban would be suspended for six months.
Altach are appealing against the decision.
Investigation against Union Gurten
The Austrian Football Federation (OeFB) have opened a case against the third-tier side Union Gurten.
"The OeFB strongly condemns, as a basic rule, any form of racism," said Thomas Hollerer, OeFB’s general secretary.
"Our organisation stands for diversity, tolerance, and integration in all areas."
Union Gurten condemned the behavior of offending fans, and stated that they would be banned from the stadium.