Atalanta charged following fans' alleged 'monkey chants' at Michy Batshuayi

Dortmund's Batshuayi, on loan from Chelsea, claimed after the second leg of the last-32 tie in Italy that he was the subject of alleged racist abuse

Monday 26 February 2018 18:44 GMT
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Batshuayi last week took to Twitter to condemn the Italian fans' actions at Reggio Emilia's Mapei Stadium
Batshuayi last week took to Twitter to condemn the Italian fans' actions at Reggio Emilia's Mapei Stadium (Getty)

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Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Atalanta following alleged monkey chants from the club's fans during last week's Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

Dortmund's Belgium striker Michy Batshuayi, on loan from Chelsea, claimed after the second leg of the last-32 tie in Italy that he was the subject of alleged racist abuse.

European football's governing body confirmed on Monday afternoon that Atalanta faced charges of "racist behaviour (monkey chants)", 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.

Batshuayi last week took to Twitter to condemn the Italian fans' actions at Reggio Emilia's Mapei Stadium.

He tweeted: "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 #GoWatchBlackPanther."

Uefa's control, ethics and disciplinary body will deal with the case on March 22.

Batshuayi played the entire 90 minutes of last Thursday's second leg as substitute Marcel Schmelzer's 82nd-minute equaliser salvaged a 1-1 draw on the night which sent Dortmund into the last 16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.

PA

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