1304 people were asked about it, I find that pretty small. If they didn’t go any deeper but just asked that one question, it’s superficial. They have had all the time in the world to do it, not sure it’s ideal for the team and its black players to get this headline thrown in their face just before one of the biggest tournaments in their lives.
It’s not a small number. It is enough to be representative.
The survey obviously consisted of more than one question.
They chose this time because the attention is very high right now and the broadcaster has a series of shows planned regarding this topic. It is absolutely common for public German broadcasters to show critical documentaries and the like, right in time for big tournaments like that. There was a bunch of stuff regarding Qatar two years ago, for example.
So far I know of no instances wherein black national players were confronted with the survey. If they are, that might suck for them. But I really don’t see how that is an argument to stop critical coverage of the issue for now.
I honestly believe what your suggesting doesn’t make much sense. You want to purposely let go of an opportunity to create a huge debate at a time of high attention, because you think the debate might make some people upset? Doesn’t feel right to me.
In the same way you could argue that we shouldn’t have a debate about me too, because victims of sexual abuse might end up being asked about it at press events.