Berlin (AFP)

German international defender Antonio Rüdiger on Friday called for more firmness and more reaction from supporters after new racist incidents at stadiums in Germany in recent weeks.

"It is not enough to hang banners or read something to the captains," said the Chelsea player, 26, in an interview with the agency SID, AFP sports subsidiary.

"There is too much happening, it is already starting in Germany. I would be happy if they find the people who did this (note: racist insults). So I could say that it is a step forward. If a politician does "A statement is fine. But does it change anything for me? Can it relieve the pain I have? No, sorry, it doesn't change anything."

In addition to the German football authorities, Rüdiger also calls on supporters to "stand up and report such things".

"You cannot close your eyes. Otherwise you are guilty too. This is how I see things. If someone next to you says things like that, you are an accomplice if you keep quiet," explains the defender, a few days after two incidents in Germany.

On February 4, Jordan Torunarigha, a hopeful German international whose father is a Nigerian, was the target of monkey screams during a Cup match between Schalke 04 and Hertha Berlin. The German Federation and the local police have since opened investigations.

Insults targeted Ghanaian defender Leroy Kdadwo in a third division match between Würzburger Kickers and Munster on February 14.

Rüdiger himself was the victim of racist chants during a match with Chelsea at Tottenham last December. He also claims to have been targeted at the start of his career when he was still playing in Germany.

© 2020 AFP