Königsdörffer reflects on provocative celebration after goal against HSV

The striker was subjected to online abuse from a minority for weeks as his contract standoff with HSV eventually led him to join Mainz.

Photo: Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images.

Mainz's Ransford Königsdörffer created tension with his provocative celebration following his goal in their 5-0 win over HSV last Sunday.

Speaking to the Allegemine Zeitung Mainz, he offered an explanation for his actions, making it clear it was nothing to do with his former team.

"I had considered beforehand whether I should really go through with it. I also wanted to make it dependent on whether I would be whistled at. 

“But the main reason was that for a year I received messages weekly, even daily, wishing me dead or causing me every possible injury. 

“There were racist insults, insults against my cousin who died, against my parents. It was simply a reaction to that.

“Perhaps there are other ways to resolve it. But I believe people who write such things simply don't understand it any other way.

"It wasn't directed at the North Stand, nor at anyone from [HSV's] management, staff, or players. Because I like them all very much.

“I've mentioned before how comfortable I felt at HSV. But I was subjected to constant insults for a year and simply wanted to express that I wouldn't tolerate it," he concluded.