28 Oct 2008German footballer in racist slur

Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

A German third-division footballer has been handed a five-match ban by the country's Football Association after racially abusing an opponent, it was confirmed today (October 28th).

FC Carl Zeiss Jena midfielder Torsten Ziegner, 30, was sent off during Saturday's clash with Eintracht Braunschweig after directing a racial slur at Nigerian Kinsley Onuegbu.

Ziegner subsequently apologised to Onuegbu after the match and attempted to explain the outburst by suggesting that it had arrived "in the heat of battle".

However, the German FA delivered its verdict today after Ziegner - who has denied being a racist - accepted their charges and further apologised for his actions.

It has also emerged that the incident is under investigation by police in Braunschweig, who were alerted to the suspected "insult with xenophobic motives" through the local media.

Before joining his current side, Ziegner made 30 league appearances for FSV Mainz 05, although he did not score during his spell with them.

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