Uefa fine Atalanta but close investigation into Batshuayi racist claim
Uefa has closed disciplinary proceedings it opened after Borussia Dortmund striker Michy Batshuayi alleged he had suffered racist abuse in last month’s Europa League tie at Atalanta.
An investigation had been opened after Batshuayi, on loan at Dortmund from Chelsea, claimed monkey chants had been directed towards him from home fans during the second leg of the last-32 tie.
At alan ta faced charges of racist behaviour, the setting-off of fireworks, throwing of objects and blocked stairways, while Dortmund were charged with the setting-off of fireworks and throwing of objects.
Uefa announced it had fined the Italian club €34,000 euros (£38,771) for the other incidents on 22 February, but offered no explanation as to why the racial abuse proceedings had been dropped. Uefa said yesterday: “The CEDB (control, ethics and disciplinary body) has decided… to close the disciplinary proceedings opened for racist or discriminatory behaviour.”
Belgium striker Batshuayi, 24, wrote on Twitter: “LOL. Must be my imagination”, then added: “Its just monkey noise who cares ? 2018 guys…”
The game in Italy ended in a 1-1 draw to send the German side through 4-3 on aggregate.
Batshuayi had said on Twitter after the match: “2018 and still racists monkey noises in the stands… really ?! Hope you have fun watching the rest of @Europaleague on TV while we are through #Saynotoracism #Gowatchblack Panther”
Uefa also announced that Basel had been fined €8,000 euros (£9,122) for fans setting off fireworks in the Champions League last-16 match at Manchester City on 7 March.