June 4, 2024 -- Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has said a poll ordered by German broadcaster ARD that asked about the colour of national team players' skin was racist, adding he was stunned it was even conducted.

 

The poll, commissioned by ARD, a public broadcaster with rights to Euro 2024 which starts in Germany on June 14, said that about one-fifth of those questioned said they wanted more white players in the national team.

 

On Saturday, national team player Joshua Kimmich called the poll racist and his coach agreed. "Josh responded really well, with a very clear and thought-out statement," Nagelsmann told a press conference. "I see this in exactly the same way. This question is insane."

 

Germany's team competing at the Euros contains black players, as well as players with Turkish background among others.

 

The broadcaster said a reporter working on an ARD documentary on football and diversity was repeatedly confronted with statements about the make-up of the team during the making of the program.