Report: Pitch invader was neo-Nazi sympathizer

Image
AP Rio De Janeiro
Last Updated : Jun 23 2014 | 9:35 AM IST
The man who invaded the pitch during the Germany-Ghana match at the World Cup was a neo-Nazi sympathizer, according to a report that will be delivered to FIFA today.
The fans' anti-discrimination network, Fare, is preparing a report on Saturday's incident, when a shirtless fan interrupted play.
Messages written on his chest and back included "HH", signifying Heil Hitler, and "SS," referring to the Nazi paramilitary unit.
"There would be no other explanation for it," Fare executive director Piara Powar told The Associated Press on yesterday.
"The question becomes how does one control an individual fan who chooses to mark his body and jumps on the pitch to propagate his neo-Nazi views."
Fare's report will also refer to fans wearing blackface makeup at the match in Fortaleza with no intervention by stadium security, Powar said.
Both incidents are "currently being analyzed by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee," the governing body said in a statement. "We cannot comment any further at this stage."
"We do not respect any discriminatory messages," FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer told reporters earlier Sunday. "We are always taking any evidence or submissions to our disciplinary committee."
FIFA will also consider a report by its match commissioner on the day, Eggert Magnusson of Iceland.
The shirtless man ran onto the pitch in the second half of the 2-2 draw, revealing an email address and telephone number with a Poland international code written on both his chest and back.
He was ushered away by Ghana midfielder Sulley Muntari before being detained by stewards.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 23 2014 | 9:35 AM IST

Next Story