Eurobasket 2025: FIBA bans fan after Dennis Schroder reports racist taunts during Germany’s victory against Lithuania | NBA News
During his team’s 107-88 victory over Lithuania at EuroBasket on Saturday, Germany captain Dennis Schroder was subjected to racist taunts. There was also a verbal confrontation between players and staff in the arena tunnel at halftime during the Lithuania vs. Germany EuroBasket 2025 game. Furthermore, FIBA officials banned one supporter from attending the rest of the tournament due to the whole situation.
Dennis Schroder condemns racist abuse from Lithuanian fans during EuroBasket 2025
German star Dennis Schroder claimed that in the game, racist abuse from the Lithuanian fans in the form of monkey noises were directed at the German players. Due to this, the players and the stadium officials clashed in the stadium hallway.Following the Eurobasket match, the Germany captain gave an explanation of what happened. He claimed that racist taunts by Lithuanian supporters throughout the match resulted in a fight in the arena hallway. He said in an interview with Magenta Sport:“It was awesome. Great atmosphere. The Lithuanians, the fans, they always travel with the team. But unfortunately, at halftime, they made monkey noises.”He further told the reporters after the game:“And that’s something I really cannot accept. Racism in this world doesn’t belong here. But nevertheless, it was a good game. I think there were some fans who had to leave the stands due to security concerns. I believe it was also reported.”At halftime, Dennis Schroder heard the sounds as he was making his way to the locker room. The NBA player for the Sacramento Kings then added:“That just doesn’t belong in this sport, not in football either. With Vinicius Junior, I’ve seen it happen all the time. But for me, today was the first time experiencing it with the Lithuanians, and it’s sad.”
FIBA meets Lithuanian delegation after racist taunts spark hallway confrontation
Both teams’ players first left through different tunnels, but later the coaches and the players met in the same hallway. While Lithuania’s national team manager Linas Kleiza attempted to calm down Daniel Theis, Jonas Valanciunas was observed engaging in an intense argument with the opponents. Pointing to the arena, the coach used the word “fan.” Meanwhile, according to the German Basketball Association, two individuals were removed from the arena after being identified as the suspected abusers. One supporter was later identified via video, according to FIBA officials, and will not be allowed to continue the event.
Dennis Schroder is an NBA pro (Image via Instagram / @ds17_fg)
To talk about what happened, FIBA said it would also meet with the Lithuanian delegation. The officials continued: “FIBA unequivocally condemns hate speech, discriminatory conduct and racist language in any form.. Creating an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for players, teams, and fans remains a fundamental priority of our sport. FIBA has provided the relevant footage and information to local law enforcement authorities, who are continuing to investigate the matter.”Alan Ibrahimagic, the temporary head coach of Germany, stated:“I noticed that Dennis was very upset — and rightly so… Such things have no place in sports or competition. We hope this will calm down and can be resolved somehow.”Furthermore, FIBA will communicate with the delegation of the Lithuanian team to inform them of the circumstances and to help in attempts to avoid such events during the rest of the matches.Also read: “I will never receive the same love”- Dennis Schroder reveals why he’ll never receive the same love as Dirk Nowitzki in Germany
