RB Leipzig releases two young players after racist incident

Bundesliga club RB Leipzig has released two junior players following a racist incident in the U19 squad. According to dpa information, the two players made a derogatory comment about a teammate's skin color. The club became aware of the incident on Wednesday evening when other players reported it and took the appropriate action the next morning. "Bild" first reported the incident.

"RB Leipzig has released two players from the U19 squad with immediate effect. The two have demonstrably made racist comments about fellow players and thus behaved in a highly unsportsmanlike and unacceptable manner. After the incidents became known, the sporting management immediately informed them of their dismissal," the club announced.

Head coach Marco Rose took a clear stance against right-wing extremism and racism just last week. "I think it's very important to stand up against stupidity and right-wing extremism in any form. I think it's good that people are doing this, that they are clearly flying the flag and taking to the streets," said the 47-year-old. "It's important to take a stand against it and set an example and not play it down."

Leipzig also told dpa on Thursday: "RB Leipzig is firmly and resolutely opposed to racist, anti-constitutional and xenophobic endeavors and other discriminatory or inhumane behavior and is particularly committed to the principle of fair play, the fight against racism and xenophobia and supporting the integration of young people from abroad, both in sport and in society. The behavior described has not been and will not be accepted or tolerated."