Bastian Schweinsteiger criticised in Germany over racially offensive remarks before Germany v Ivory Coast | OneFootball

Bastian Schweinsteiger is at the centre of a row in Germany after racially offensive comments made before the World Cup group match with Ivory Coast, which Germany won 2-1.

According to L'Équipe, the 2014 World Cup winner, working as a pundit for public broadcaster ARD during the tournament, said ahead of kick-off that it would be a tight, difficult contest for Germany. The clip initially drew little attention.

The controversy stems from his characterisation of the Elephants’ style as African football, sometimes unorthodox and a little wild, not as tactical. The word wild prompted a strong backlash in Germany because of its racist and colonial associations.

Schweinsteiger has not apologised and ARD has not taken disciplinary action.

He remained on commentary for England v Ghana on Tuesday night, a 0-0 draw.

Source: L'Équipe