First game after accusations of racism: Ruefer and Xhaka have not yet reconciled

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The headlines were daring, the case caused a stir for days: a racist statement about Granit Xhaka, which was reportedly received via Nati’s ‘WOZ’ commentator Sascha Ruefer (51), caused a stir before Easter.

When, after two days of speculation in some places about his replacement as football figurehead, Ruefer and SRF were finally able to shed light on the darkness and give the context of the statement made during the filming of the documentary “The Pressure Game”, it was clear: No, the SRF man is not a racist.

Ruefer wanted to “clear things up nicely”

What was important to Ruefer at the time: “I offered to work it out with him. I assume that will be possible,” he said. “I am not answerable to anyone in this matter except him. And that is important to me: I respect Granite as a person and especially as a footballer.”

On Friday night, Ruefer commented for the first time on a national team game. For the Nati it is in the European Championship qualifier against Andorra. On the field the matter is clear: Switzerland is favourite, they will hardly be weak against the football dwarf.

However, one question remains unanswered: Ruefer’s offer has not yet been accepted. The conversation with Xhaka has not yet taken place. CH Media reports this in a message that coincides with information from Blick.

Interview in Leverkusen?

Is that still coming? It is quite possible that Xhaka, who has battled with Arsenal for the English championship in recent months and may have had other priorities than talking to the SRF man, will soon be back in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen is considered the most promising candidate for a Xhaka commitment. The road to meeting for a one-on-one conversation could soon be shorter for Ruefer.

And so, even two months later, the case is still not completely resolved. Ruefer, who flew to Andorra on Friday morning, is relaxed. “Nothing changes for me – I approach my work with the same enthusiasm and joy as always,” he says, according to CH Media. (e.g.)

Source : Blick