[Oliver_Kahn]

Otto Addo was involved in the "Stand up, speak up" campaign against racism. bundesliga.de met up with the FSV Mainz 05 player.


b>bundesliga.de: Otto Addo, you have got a German and a Ghanaian passport. Where do you feel at home?

Otto Addo: I feel at home in both countries. I've got two home countries. I am German citizen, play for Ghana and feel at ease in both countries.

bundesliga.de: There have been some awkward events on German grounds recently. Have you ever experienced racial attacks yourself?

Addo: Yes, but that was quite a while ago, back when I was playing in the 2. Bundesliga. It was less of a problem in the Bundesliga, though it has occured there as well. But it got more rare lately, especially in the Bundesliga.

bundesliga.de: Gerald Asamoah was visibly harassed after the racist attacks. How does one feel after such attacks? How does one come to grips with it?

Addo: For me that subject has always been present. It may have been surprising because it happened in the DFB Cup. But it's not a new problem. It happens often in the third or fourth flight, at least from what I hear from friends and colleagues. Sadly it happens especially in the newly-formed German states. You are constantly abused there and then you don't feel treated fair. I can't understand how people can be like that, absusing others because of the colour of their skin.

bundesliga.de: You have experienced problems in Cottbus yourself. You were abused there when you played for Hannover 96 in 1998. But on your return two years later there were no problems at all. How do you explain that?

Addo: There have been many campaigns, and they worked. Things are okay there now. The "Stadion der Freundschaft" lives up to its name now. (Energie's stadium name means "Stadium of friendship" in English) It's a question of time. Things have changes, in Cottbus as well.

bundesliga.de: This weekend sees the campaign "Show racism the red card!" with all clubs involved. What do you think of it?

Addo: These campaigns are always important. Youths and adolescents must see that the Bundesliga is clearly against racism. Everyone must see that the attacks against Asamoah or Kahe or out of place. And that not only in sport, but also in real life, you must show the red card. The DFL and the Bundesliga players have to set a good example.

bundesliga.de: There aren't any racism problems at your club FSV Mainz 05, are they?

Addo: No, the fans are very fair towards the club's players, and even towards visiting players. We've never had a problem here. But the club will take part in that campaign, of course.

bundesliga.de: You participated in the "Stand up, speak up" campaign together with Arsenal star Thierry Henry, which was a European-wide success. For example, wristbands with the slogan were being sold. What were the effects?

Addo: That was an important campaign, to position ourselves against racism. It was a nice campaign. The wristbands were sold very fast. A lot of money was gathered. It was donated to organisations that fight racism.

bundesliga.de: How is the situation off the pitch? What are your experiences in private life?

Addo: When I was using public transport in the past, you would be confronted with these problems. You are abused sometimes and confronted, and sadly that happens quite often.

bundesliga.de: From your point of view, how you the problem be eradicated? Which other path could be run?

Addo: There has to be a togetherness, there has to be more communication. Everyone must figure that dark-skinned people are not worse than white people. Children with parents from other countries have to be integrated in a better way.

bundesliga.de: Is this subject important for African players when choosing a club?

Addo: Of course! It is sometimes difficult if you run out of options and don't want to harm your career, but basically it plays a big part. You are always looking for a city with no or just a few right wing extremists.