Germany's national football team has thanked fans on social media for their support during the World Cup, voiced self-criticism over their early exit and condemned discriminatory comments online.
"We accept criticism of our performances. It is justified and part of sport. But hate is not. We do not accept racism and other discrimination," said a post on Germany's Instagram account with 7.6 million followers on Wednesday.
"Football stands for community and solidarity, not division."
Julian Nagelsmann's team were heavily criticized online after their early World Cup exit in the first knock-out round against underdogs Paraguay. The team has a large number of black players, while Nadiem Amiri is of Afghan heritage.
The post also put the World Cup failure into sporting context.
"We did not manage to show what this team is capable of. That is why we were rightly knocked out of this tournament far too early," it said.
"To everyone who supported us: thank you for being there. Thank you for your support. We will do better next time. With you at our side. Your national team."
