"I used to admire him": Fae hurt by Schweinsteiger's rude remarks

Ivory Coast head coach Emerse Fae has accused Germany legend Bastian Schweinsteiger of making "racist" remarks after the former Bayern Munich star described Ivorian football as "wild" and "unorthodox" during World Cup television coverage.

The controversy erupted following Germany's dramatic 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast last weekend, when Schweinsteiger, working as a pundit for German broadcaster ARD, attempted to analyse the African champions' style of play.

"African football is a bit wild, a bit unorthodox and perhaps not so conditioned by tactics," the 2014 World Cup winner said.

Fae brands Schweinsteiger’s comments as 'racist'

The comments immediately sparked criticism in Germany and from anti-discrimination organisation Kick It Out, but until now nobody from inside the Ivory Coast camp had publicly responded. That changed after the Elephants secured a historic place in the World Cup knockout stages with a 2-0 victory over Curacao.

Rather than celebrating qualification, Fae found himself addressing remarks made by a player he had admired throughout his own career.

"I think it's sad," the 42-year-old admitted. "He was a very good player, a great player. I've always loved him personally. As a midfielder myself, I admired the way he played and understood football. In fact, one of my friends used to call me 'Bastian' because he knew how much I liked him.

"So when I heard those comments, I was disappointed. Disappointed in the man. When someone understands football as well as he does, it's strange to hear him speak in a way that we can call racist, if we're calling a spade a spade."

Fae also rejected the stereotype behind Schweinsteiger's assessment, insisting African football has evolved far beyond the outdated labels often attached to it.

"He must know African football isn't just physical," Fae continued. "It's very technical and very tactical. I hope those comments were simply clumsy and don't reflect what he really thinks.

"But we also know many former players become television pundits and sometimes feel they need to create controversy. He was a global star - perhaps he thought people had forgotten him. I don't know. We'll move on and try to forget what he said."

Schweinsteiger has denied any racist intent.

In a statement released by ARD on Friday, the former Germany captain said: "I was talking about football, not about people. This was a football analysis. No more and no less. There is no way I wanted to offend anyone."

ARD's Head of Sport, Axel Balkausky, also defended the broadcaster's analyst.

"I cannot find any form of racism in this, nor in the choice of words," he said.

WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE

Round of 32

Sunday

South Africa - Canada 1-0 (0-0)

/Eustaquio 90+2/

Monday

Brazil - Japan 2-1 (0-1)

/Casemiro 56, Martinelli 90+5 - Sano 29/

Germany - Paraguay IN PROGRESS

Tuesday

04.00: (2.20) Netherlands (3.15) Morocco (3.75)

20.00: (3.50) Ivory Coast (3.55) Norway (2.10)

00.00: (1.30) France (5.80) Sweden (9.00)

Wednesday

04.00: (2.25) Mexico (2.95) Ecuador (3.85)

19.00: (1.30) England (5.20) Dr Congo (11.0)

23.00: (2.15) Belgium (3.25) Senegal (3.75)

Thursday

03.00: (1.43) USA (4.60) B&H (8.50)

22.00: (1.32) Spain (5.25) Austria (10.0)

Friday

02.00: (1.95) Portugal (3.40) Croatia (4.10)

06.00: (1.95) Switzerland (3.45) Algeria (4.00)

21.00: (3.15) Australia (2.95) Egypt (2.55)

Saturday

01.00: (1.17) Argentina (7.50) Cape Verde (16.0)

04.30: (1.70) Colombia (3.60) Ghana (5.50)

***odds are subject to change***