Germany coach Nagelsmann joins condemnation of 'racist' ARD poll

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has said a poll ordered by German broadcaster ARD that asked about the colour of national team players' skin was racist, adding he was stunned it was even conducted.

The poll, commissioned by ARD, a public broadcaster with rights to Euro 2024 which starts in Germany on June 14, said that about one-fifth of those questioned said they wanted more white players in the national team.

On Saturday, national team player Joshua Kimmich called the poll racist and his coach agreed. "Josh responded really well, with a very clear and thought-out statement," Nagelsmann told a press conference. "I see this in exactly the same way. This question is insane."

Germany's team competing at the Euros contains black players, as well as players with Turkish background among others.

The broadcaster said a reporter working on an ARD documentary on football and diversity was repeatedly confronted with statements about the make-up of the team during the making of the program.

READ MORE

Türkiye's 'mad honey' aphrodisiac that can knock you flat

The reptilian professor helping to save her species

RAZOR: Can precision fishing save biodiversity in our oceans?

It said it commissioned the poll in order to have measurable facts on such statements. "I was shocked that such questions are asked and people actually answer," Nagelsmann said.

"It is racist. I feel we need to wake up. Many people in Europe had to flee... searching for a safe country. In Germany we are living well and we tend to shut out these things. A football team can be a role model of how to unite different cultures, religious backgrounds and skin colour.

"It is good the way it is now. We play a Euro for everyone in the country and whoever plays top football is invited to be a national team member. I hope I never have to read such crap polls again."

The controversy comes just weeks after the team's kit manufacturer, Adidas, was forced to ban fans from buying replica Germany shirts bearing the No.44 after media alerted the manufacturer to the resemblance to the symbol used by World War Two-era Nazi SS units.

Germany open their home Euros with their Group A match against Scotland on June 14.

Subscribe to Storyboard: A weekly newsletter bringing you the best of CGTN every Friday