Emanuel Aiwu, who plays for Austria at the U21 level was at the receiving end of racial abuse on his social media channels last week.
The Austrian Football Association issued a strong condemning the “inhuman behaviour,” adding that they stand with the young defender.
“Team player Emanuel Aiwu was repeatedly racially insulted on his social media channels in the past week. Such inhuman behavior has no place in our world and we deeply condemn it – no matter who it affects!
#U21-Teamspieler Emanuel Aiwu wurde in der vergangenen Woche auf seinen Social-Media-Kanälen wiederholt rassistisch beleidigt. Solch ein menschenverachtendes Verhalten hat in unserer Welt keinen Platz und wir verurteilen es zutiefst – egal, wen es betrifft! (1/3) pic.twitter.com/RmbiMTKyq5
— ÖFB – oefb.at (@oefb1904) September 5, 2021“The ÖFB clearly stands for diversity, tolerance and respectful cooperation. The anonymity on the Internet must not serve as a cover for hostility and agitation.
“The whole U21 family, the ÖFB, our partners and of course our true fans are behind you, Manu!”
Aiwu, 20, was a substitute in Austria’s 3–1 defeat to Norway U21 in the U21 Euros qualifiers last Friday.
Aiwu is considered to be one of Austria’s greatest young talents. The youngster, who’s of Nigerian descent, signed for Austrian Bundesliga giants, Rapid Wien, on 30 August.