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Batshuayi slams Europa League racist abuse

Rob Turner with dpa, AFP
February 23, 2018

Borussia Dortmund striker Michy Batshuayi has accused Atalanta fans of racial abuse during a Europa League tie in Italy. The Belgian star complained on Twitter that he was subjected to constant "monkey noises."

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Michy Batshuayi
Image: picture alliance/dpa/B. Thissen

Michy Batshuayi and two other Borussia Dortmund players complained they received racial abuse during their side's Europa League match in Italy on Thursday.

After Dortmund progressed to the last-16 with a 4-3 aggregate win over Atalanta, Batshuayi tweeted: "2018 and still racists monkey noises in the stands ... really ?! Hope you have fun watching the rest of Europa League on TV while we are through." 

The on-loan striker accused the Atalanta fans of making monkey noises for the duration of the match. His teammates Dan-Axel Zagadou and Alexander Isak were also reportedly the target of abuse.

Read more: Russian soccer club Spartak Moscow under fire for 'racist' tweet

Michy Batshuayi surrounded by Atalanta players
Batshuayi scored twice in the first leg, but failed to find the net in ItalyImage: Imago/Insidefoto

Dortmund captain Marcel Schmelzer said he was not aware of the noises during the match but that he condemned it "in the strongest possible terms," adding that "this doesn't belong anywhere."

Dortmund score away to Atalanta
Dortmund went through to the next round thanks to a late equalizer on the nightImage: Imago/Insidefoto

Atalanta were punished as recently as January after Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was subjected to racist abuse during a Serie A match.

Club President Antonio Percassi later apologized. "I'll be honest, I didn't hear them," he said. "If it did happen, then I am very sad and absolutely apologise to Batshuayi. This should never happen."

Read more: Black players in Italy urged to strike after Muntari is handed suspension

European football's governing body UEFA could also investigate Dortmund after their fans set off pyrotechnic flares and aimed a laser-pointer at the pitch.

The game itself ended in a 1-1 draw, which meant Dortmund won the tie on aggregate thanks to their 3-2 victory in the first leg.