Hate crime probe launched after anti-LGBTQ+ abuse at German football match

A spectator's megaphone-fueled slurs turned a local match into a crime scene. Now, authorities are piecing together evidence—and offering support to the targeted player.

, and Administrator

2026 May 12 . 10:09 AM

1 min read

The image shows a large group of people sitting on the ground in front of a crowd, some of them... — The image shows a large group of people sitting on the ground in front of a crowd, some of them holding flags and some wearing caps. There is a banner with text in the background, as well as trees and a clear blue sky. On the right side of the image, there is a person holding a megaphone, suggesting that the group is participating in a protest.

Hate crime probe launched after anti-LGBTQ+ abuse at German football match

A female football player in Wiesbaden-Klarenthal was targeted with anti-LGBTQ+ abuse during a match. The incident, which involved a spectator using a megaphone to hurl slurs, was later reported to police. Authorities have since opened an investigation into the hate crime. The attack took place on April 18, 2023, between 6:00 PM and 7:45 PM on a football pitch at Geschwister-Scholl-Straße. A 27-year-old woman allegedly used a megaphone to verbally assault a 25-year-old player with anti-LGBTQ+ slurs.

The victim reported the incident to West Hesse Police on May 7, 2023. State security authorities have since taken over the case, examining it as a potential hate crime. Police have also highlighted their dedicated support service for LGBTQI+ victims of such offences. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing evidence from the match. The victim has access to specialised police support for LGBTQI+ individuals affected by hate crimes. No further details on the suspect or potential charges have been released at this time.