Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Dennis Schröder, the captain of Germany, was a victim of racial abuse during his country’s 107-88 victory over Lithuania in a EuroBasket 2025 group-stage fixture on August 30.

The fan was immediately banned from attending the rest of the tournament, according to FIBA officials.

“Making monkey noises, that’s something I don’t respect,” Schröder told reporters in German after the game, via Associated Press. “No matter what status, insults, that’s all fine. But racism simply doesn’t belong in this sport. That’s something that’s not OK.”

According to Germany head coach Alan Ibrahimagic, Schroder heard racially-charged jeers when he was walking to the locker room in the second half, prompting the team to notify FIBA and German Basketball Association officials immediately.

“I noticed that Dennis was very upset — and rightly so,” Ibrahimagic said.

“Such things have no place in sports or competition. We hope this will calm down and can be resolved somehow.”

FIBA Promises Strict Action

GettyGermany’s Dennis Schroder (L) drives to the basket during the FIBA EuroBasket 2025.

The German Basketball Association noted that a pair of fans were identified as the alleged perpetrators and were ejected from the arena in Tampere, Finland.

FIBA officials identified one of the two unruly fans via video, confirming that he will not be permitted to attend the rest of the EuroBasket 2025. The global basketball federation also noted that it will meet with the Lithuanian delegation to discuss what transpired.

“FIBA unequivocally condemns hate speech, discriminatory conduct and racist language in any form,” the group said. “Creating an inclusive, respectful and safe environment for players, teams, and fans remains a fundamental priority of our sport. FIBA has provided the relevant footage and information to local law enforcement authorities, who are continuing to investigate the matter.”

Germans Keep Winning

Despite the unfortunate incident, Schroder and Germany kept their winning streak alive in the EuroBasket 2025, following their wins over Montenegro and Sweden in the early group-stage fixtures. As such, they are now guaranteed a berth in the round of 16 in Riga, Latvia, regardless of the outcome of their final two games against Great Britain and Finland.

Schroder, who plays for the Sacramento Kings, was the star of the show against Lithuania, finishing with a game-high 26 points, six assists and three rebounds. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner chimed in with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The star-studded German team includes several current and former NBA players, such as Daniel Theis and Isaac Bonga.

The unfortunate incident on August 30 wasn’t the first instance of Schroder facing racial abuse. In a Dec. 2024 interview, Schroder revealed that he was constantly subjected to racism in both the NBA and in his home country of Germany.

“Growing up in Germany was tough, but it helped me – the man I am today – the father, the brother, son, husband. I learned a lot, you know, just growing up in Germany,” he said.

In a more recent interview, Schroder revealed he’d never be as beloved as Dirk Nowitzki in Germany due to the color of his skin.

“It’s a great honor [to be Germany captain], but for me it will never be the same as for Dirk. I will never receive the same love in this country, because I am dark-skinned,” Schroder said, via BasketNews.

Dennis Schroder believes he will never receive the same love as Dirk Nowitzki in Germany because of his skin color 💔🇩🇪 #EuroBasket

Read more: https://t.co/ERKKI9t4rl pic.twitter.com/GcnY2R0kH1

— BasketNews (@BasketNews_com) August 21, 2025