KP Boateng cops anti-racism award in Germany

Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng received a special recognition at the 1Live Krone 2017 Awards on Thursday for his dedication to the fight against racism.

A strong anti-racism activist, the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder could, however, not make it to the ceremony in Bochum due to club commitment as The Eagles are busily preparing for their crack Bundesliga clash with giants Bayern Munich on Saturday.

The Krone Awards is arguably the biggest radio award in Germany.

"This is the most beautiful and most important trophy I have received in my career. That's a huge honor for me," Boateng, one time a guest of the United Nations for its International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, said via a live video broadcast from Frankfurt.

"I would have liked to have been there, but I had to stay at home and focus on the game against Bayern on the weekend.

“To be given this award means that people are taking note and that there are still a lot of people who care about this issue.

“That’s really pleasing and I’m delighted to be getting through to more and more people and, with them, we are continuing the fight against racism.”

Earlier this year, Boateng, who was at the centre of a racist controversy in 2013, called for the use of video technology to help flush out perpetuators of racist abuse at match centres.

Four years ago, Boateng, then on the books of AC Milan, was a victim of racist abuse by fans during a friendly game with lower tier side Pro Patria.

The Black Star, born to a Ghanaian father and a German mother, reacted by kicking the ball into the stands before walking off the pitch in anger.

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His teammates followed him off the pitch in support, prompting a premature end to the game.