England U17s’ friendly win against Venezuela was twice halted due to reports of racist abuse during the second half in Duisburg, Germany. Players left the pitch, and investigations are underway. Metz’s Brian Madjo and Chelsea’s Ryan Kavuma-McQueen scored in England’s 2-1 comeback victory. The FA is treating the matter with “utmost seriousness.”
A friendly match between England's Under-17 team and Venezuela was overshadowed by disturbing reports of racist abuse, leading to two temporary halts in play. The incidents occurred during the second half of the match, held in Duisburg, Germany, prompting the young English players to leave the pitch while the referee addressed the situation.
Image source, Getty ImagesThere was a lengthy delay in the second half
The source of the alleged abuse and its intended target remain unclear, as investigations are underway. England's manager, Liam Bramley, was seen consoling his players as they left the field, a gesture of support during a challenging moment.
Despite the disruptions, the England U17s managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Venezuela. Brian Madjo from Metz and Ryan Kavuma-McQueen of Chelsea were the goalscorers for England, leading a comeback after initially falling behind.
A spokesperson for the Football Association (FA) stated, "This is being treated with the utmost seriousness, and our priority is to support our players and staff. We are in ongoing discussions with tournament organizers and the relevant authorities about next steps." The FA's swift response underscores the gravity of the allegations and the commitment to ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for young players.
The incidents have sparked widespread concern and condemnation within the football community. Anti-racism organizations have called for thorough investigations and strict measures to combat discrimination in the sport. This match was the first of three scheduled in Duisburg, serving as preparation for the Euro 2026 qualifiers in Lithuania next month.
The focus now shifts to identifying the perpetrators of the alleged racist abuse and implementing preventative measures to avoid similar incidents in the future. Football authorities are under pressure to demonstrate a zero-tolerance approach to racism and ensure that young players can compete without fear of discrimination. The outcome of the investigations will be crucial in shaping the response to racism in football and sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
The England U17s will continue their preparations for the upcoming Euro 2026 qualifiers, but the events in Duisburg serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain in creating a truly inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants in the sport. The FA's commitment to supporting its players and engaging with relevant authorities is a positive step, but sustained efforts are needed to eradicate racism from football at all levels.