Joshua Kimmich hit out against an "absolutely racist" survey that finds one in five German people want more white players in the national team.
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- Poll reveals Germans want more white players
- Controversial survey to be aired in documentary
- Kimmich blasted the timing of the question
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WHAT HAPPENED?
A controversial survey has revealed disturbing attitudes among the German public regarding the racial composition of the national team. The survey in question was conducted on behalf of as part of 's forthcoming documentary titled 'United and Justice and Diversity – The National Team Between Racism and Identification.' Scheduled for release on June 5, the documentary aims to explore the evolving dynamics within the German national team and features interviews with current and former players discussing their experiences with racism.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
The survey results were shocking: 21 per cent of the 1,304 participants expressed a preference for more white players in the national team. This revelation has sparked significant backlash and Kimmich, addressing the media at a press conference on Saturday, did not hold back in his condemnation of both the survey and its findings.
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WHAT KIMMICH SAID
"This hasn't been a topic within the team itself," Kimmich stated, emphasising the team's internal unity and mutual respect. "Anyone who grew up in football knows that it's absolute nonsense. Football unites people of different skin colours and religions, and that's what it's all about. I would miss a lot of players if they weren't here. So that's absolutely racist. Such a survey is absolutely counterproductive."
Kimmich also criticised the timing of the survey, coming just weeks before Germany are set to kick off the Euro 2024 campaign on home soil.
"When you consider that we are facing a European Championship at home, it is absurd to ask such a question when the aim is to unite the whole country [and we want] to achieve great things together," he added. "As a team, we are trying everything to get everyone in Germany behind us. A survey like this is absolutely counterproductive."
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DID YOU KNOW?
The survey also uncovered another disheartening statistic: 17% of participants expressed disappointment that Ilkay Gundogan, who was born in Germany to Turkish parents, is the captain. The midfielder, currently playing for Barcelona, was appointed skipper by former manager Hansi Flick in September 2023 and is set to wear the armband again in the Euros.
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