‌ ​ the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has banned a spectator from all FIBA events after the individual directed racist abuse⁢ toward German national team player Dennis Schröder⁢ during a EuroBasket‌ qualifying game ​against⁢ Lithuania on August⁢ 31, 2024, in Vilnius. The incident occurred during germany’s 88-73 victory.
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‍ FIBA confirmed the ban, stating that a “safe ⁢surroundings for ​players, teams, and fans remains a fundamental priority ‍of⁣ our sport.” The organization ⁤did not release the identity ⁢of the banned fan.

Lithuanian Basketball Federation condemns the Incident

Mindaugas Balčiūnas, president of the Lithuanian Basketball Federation, publicly denounced the behavior as “unacceptable.” He emphasized the damage such incidents inflict on athletes and Lithuania’s ‌reputation as a basketball-loving ​nation.

⁤ “Incidents like this harm the‍ athletes and damage Lithuania’s reputation as a basketball nation,”‌ Balčiūnas said. “Every⁢ fan should ensure that ‍our support for the team is respectful and‌ positive, rather than offensive or harmful.”
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Schröder’s History with Racism

Dennis Schröder, ⁢a point guard currently playing for the ‌Brooklyn Nets (as of September 1, 2024), has previously⁤ spoken about experiencing racism throughout his⁤ life, particularly while‌ growing up in‌ Europe.
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In a 2024 video ⁢produced by ‍the Brooklyn Nets, Schröder recounted facing prejudice⁢ as a child in Germany. “Every time, when I went into the kindergarten, I was the only Black guy, and people always⁣ said, like, why is yoru skin dirty, or you know, like, ⁣why is ‍it different, so it was really, ​really tough,” he shared.