Nearly 70,000 spectators watched the match between Germany and Spain live in the stadium on Sunday evening, one of the most intense and best World Cup matches to date at the final in Qatar.
Commentator Oliver Schmidt and expert Sandro Wagner supervised the match from the stadium in the emirate for ZDF. Former player Wagner is known for his nonchalant manner and his blunt statements as a TV pundit. Now he seems to be overshooting the mark with a statement.
The former international and striker of Bayern made a statement fifteen minutes before the end of the game: which was probably intended as a joke, but backfired well and earned him serious criticism.
World Cup 2022: ZDF expert Wagner belittles Arab clothing
When the Spaniards threw in, Wagner was happy that the fans in the stadium would create a little more atmosphere to push the players even more in the last minutes.
To clarify, by “bathrobes” he meant the classic Arab bathrobe, which is worn by men in Qatar as well as in the United Arab Emirates or in Oman and is usually white.
Sharp criticism of ZDF expert: “Something is not right”
Wagner was harshly criticized for his statements on social networks. A Twitter user described the statement as “bottom line” and demanded that the 34-year-old apologize publicly while wearing a thaw. Another classified the statement as “something off”.
The comment from #sandrowagner about the Qatari “bathing suits” in the stadium was wrong. Why can’t we do without this stupid one #Racism? #RESP
— Khallad Swaid (@KhaludeD) November 27, 2022
Another also calls ZDF to action and writes: “Do something if you take tolerance seriously.”
@zdf these racist statements from #sandrowagner are unbearable. Do something if you’re serious #Tolerance etc. #Racism #ESPGER
— Rosa Luxembourg (@RosaLuxumburg71) November 27, 2022
A comment also referred to the demands for equality in the host country. “Expect equality in Qatar, but be racist yourself, that’s Germany,” the comment read.
@ZDF “Qatari bathrobes”? Are you serious? Expect equality in Qatar, but be racist yourself, that’s Germany :+1::hautton-3: #WM #SandroWagner
— lm (@lemu97) November 27, 2022
ZDF responds to criticism
The broadcaster responded to the statements and also responded to one of the Twitter posts:
Unfortunately, Sandro Wagner’s statement about the Thawb came during an emotional phase of the game. It is not permitted. We’ll discuss that.
— ZDF sports studio (@sportstudio) November 27, 2022
Sandro Wagner played for several Bundesliga clubs such as Hertha Berlin, Darmstadt and Hoffenheim. In 2018, he played a season for Bayern Munich before retiring in China in 2020. He then became a co-commentator on ZDF. (con)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
