A 2026 World Cup fan has spoken out for the first time since being hospitalized after waving a rainbow flag in Canada to watch Germany vs. Ivory Coast.
Alex Alber, 33, traveled to Toronto from Berlin to watch the second group game of the tournament, in which Julian Nagelsmann’s team defeated Ivory Coast in the late Deniz Undav’s winner.
Alex and two of his friends took to the streets of Toronto to celebrate Germany’s second championship win. At that time, he was attacked and injured in a sports bar by a group believed to be motivated by homophobia.
The 33-year-old released a statement about the incident and shared images of the wounds he sustained in the alleged attack.
World Cup fans release statement after assault allegations
Alex revealed that he sustained injuries so severe that he had to go to the hospital.
The German fan gave details of the alleged attack: “We were out at Club Paris Texas in Toronto. A friend brought a rainbow fan and that was enough. It started with a group of guys in their early 20s insulting us. It ended with us being attacked. The result is this photo.
“I’m fine now. Jersey didn’t survive. I had $5,000 in medical bills. But that’s not the only thing that leaves me speechless.”
“What it means is that people in their early 20s, who we continue to call more open than previous generations, are still dealing with this kind of hatred. I’m not gay myself, but I know that the LGBTQ+ community lives with this problem every day, and that’s why I can’t stay silent.
“For us, those fans mean one thing: everyone can be who they are. Freedom, diversity, people living their lives. To experience this as a guest in another country breaks my heart.
“And the club was just the tip of the iceberg. My friend was harassed all day long in the stadium, by other fans, even by German fans. This is not a country problem. It’s everywhere. That’s what matters.”
Alex also called on others to “stand up” against homophobia after sharing that he had been reported to the police.We consulted the police. There are photos and videos of people who have done this. We are determining our next steps.
“This World Cup tells some beautiful stories. This is one of those ugly stories, and pretending it doesn’t exist helps no one. That’s why we share it.”
“We want to speak up and say it loud and clear: We will never tolerate this and we will always stand up for it. And we ask you, if you see something like this, please intervene. Don’t look away. Everyone should be themselves. That’s what we’re radiating.”
He revealed the extent of his injuries on social media.
Germany have already secured their place at the top of Group E, with Nagelsmann’s side looking to build on their strong start and are likely to face Panama in the round of 32.
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