Are black footballers who suffer racist attacks in Hungary denied any help? Tempers flare after Kompany’s harsh words

Bayern Munich’s manager, Vincent Kompany, claims that black players in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Serbia receive no support if subjected to racist abuse. Fans and sports officials are outraged, with the Hungarian Football Federation president, Sándor Csányi, already penning a letter in response.

Victims of racist attacks get zero help in Hungary?

The Belgian footballer and Bayern boss insists that many black players across various European leagues “have no voice” when targeted by racist attacks. He singled out Hungary as one such country, arguing that players there can expect no assistance whatsoever.

“We must raise our voices if anyone falsely tarnishes our nation’s reputation,” responded Dr Ádám Schmidt, the state secretary for sport. He has written to UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin over Kompany’s remarks, contending that the manager has unjustly offended numerous Hungarian athletes. Csányi and Ferencváros officials have sent similar letters, Schmidt added. The government minister urged Čeferin to use his influence to put an end to such smears. “Hungary affords every participant in the sporting world the respect they deserve,” he concluded.

Hungarian football fans outraged

According to Blikk, tensions are boiling in changing rooms, among sports leaders, and even supporters. Several rejected claims of racism in Hungary when speaking to the paper. Ferencváros fans, for instance, expressed pride in both Hungarian and foreign players alike. The most successful Hungarian club’s squad is largely composed of overseas talent, including black players, while the national team also fields non-white stars.

The row began when Benfica manager José Mourinho criticised Vinícius Júnior’s goal celebration, suggesting it was the reason the player endures racist taunts at every match. Kompany hit back, calling Mourinho’s view deeply harmful: Vinícius celebrates like anyone else who scores, he said, and the racist abuse, growing across Europe’s stadiums, is entirely unconnected.

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