Michy Batshuayi Criticises UEFA After Atalanta Racism Investigation Is Dropped
Mar 30, 2018
DORTMUND, GERMANY - MARCH 18: Michy Batshuayi of Dortmund looks dejected during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hannover 96 at Signal Iduna Park on March 18, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund forward Michy Batshuayi has criticised UEFA on social media after an investigation into alleged racist abuse aimed at the player during a game against Atalanta was dropped.
As reported by Liam Prenderville of the Daily Mirror, the on-loan Chelsea striker made the complaint after a UEFA Europa League clash between the two teams, and European football's governing body said it would look into the allegations.
However, on Thursday it was confirmed no further action would be taken. Batshuayi made his feelings clear with these posts on Twitter:
As relayed by Rob Harris of the Associated Press, UEFA did not elaborate on why it has decided to end the investigation, noting it decided "to close the disciplinary proceedings opened for racist or discriminatory behaviour."
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Michy Batshuayi of Borussia Dortmund competes for the ball whit Mattia Caldara of Atalanta during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund at the Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Trico
Per Harris, it's the second time in March that an investigation into alleged racist behaviour was closed. It was deemed a complaint made by Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster in a UEFA Youth League game against Spartak Moscow's Leonid Mironov was not substantial enough to act upon.
The incident Batshuayi reported came in February at the Mapei Stadium, a temporary home for Atalanta during their stint in European competition. Afterwards Batshuayi posted the following message:
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 ✌🏾
The Belgium international moved to Dortmund in January after struggling for minutes at Stamford Bridge, and he's settled in to life in the Bundesliga quickly. The 24-year-old has netted eight goals in 11 appearances for BVB.
Usain Bolt Scores Brilliant Goal, Nutmegs Player During Dortmund Training
Mar 23, 2018
Retired Jamaican Olympic and World champion sprinter Usain Bolt looks on as he takes part in a training session of German first Bundesliga football team Dortmund, on March 23, in Dortmund. Behind him is written 'football school'.
Bolt, 31, who holds the world records for the 100m and 200m, had already announced last January that he would be training with Dortmund during the current international break. / AFP PHOTO / Patrik STOLLARZ (Photo credit should read PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images)
Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt took part in a Borussia Dortmund training session on Friday and got on the scoresheet with his first touch, converting a fine glancing header in a half-pitch match.
The retired Jamaican sprinter, who holds the world records for the 100 and 200 metres, also converted a left-footed penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way when practising from the spot, per BVB:
Almost 1,500 fans gathered to watch the open training session, with Bolt the unquestionable draw, not least because most of BVB's first-team players are away on international duty.
It was 2014 FIFA World Cup winner Mario Gotze, though, who set up Bolt for his headed goal.
The 31-year-old retired from sprinting in 2017 and has often spoken of his ambitions to become a professional footballer, per Goal's Ryan Kelly.
He showed some fine touches as he played in front of Dortmund manager Peter Stoger on Friday, but he was noticeably worn out after an hour's work.
Marco Reus, Borussia Dortmund Agree to Contract Extension Through 2023
Mar 9, 2018
LEIPZIG, GERMANY - MARCH 03: Marco Reus of Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team`s first goal during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund at Red Bull Arena on March 3, 2018 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
He has endured numerous fitness woes during his time at the Westfalenstadion and only returned from an eight-month layoff in February.
The German has wasted no time in re-establishing himself as one of BVB's most talented attacking players, as he has netted three times in his last three Bundesliga appearances.
Per Squawka, his stats show that, when fit, there is arguably no better player in the Dortmund side:
Marco Reus has never been shy of the goals when available for Borussia Dortmund. ⚽ pic.twitter.com/mtN8tsIW72
It is a big boost for Dortmund that Reus has committed his future to the club until 2023. His previous deal was set to expire in 2019.
Reus' aim for the remainder of the 2017-18 season is likely to stay fit and help Dortmund in their bid to finish in the Bundesliga's top four and potentially win the UEFA Europa League.
There is also the small matter of the 2018 FIFA World Cup coming up in the summer, and a fit and in-form Reus will surely warrant a spot in Joachim Low's Germany squad for the Russia tournament.
Michy Batshuayi: Atalanta Fans Made Monkey Noises at Me During Europa League
Feb 22, 2018
Atalanta's defender from Italy Mattia Caldara (L) fights for the ball with Borussia Dortmund's forward from Belgium Michy Batshuayi during the round of 32 second leg UEFA Europa League football match between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund at The Mapei Stadium in Reggio Emilia on February 22, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Vincenzo PINTO (Photo credit should read VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund forward Michy Batshuayi has said he suffered racist abuse during the team's UEFA Europa League match against Atalanta on Thursday.
Following the 1-1 draw at the Stadio Citta del Tricolore, the on-loan Chelsea forward posted this bulletin on his Twitter account:
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 ✌🏾
Batshuayi started the match and helped his Dortmund team progress into the last 16 of the competition. The Belgian had netted to give his team a 3-2 lead in the first leg and a 4-3 aggregate scoreline overall.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italia (h/tFootball Italia), Atalanta President Antonio Percassi said he was sorry if Batshuayi was the target of invective from the stands.
"I'll be honest, I didn't hear them," he said. "If they did happen, then I am very sad and absolutely apologise to Batshuayi. This should never happen."
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY - FEBRUARY 22: Michy Batshuayi (R) of Borussia Dortmund is challenged by Mattia Caldara of Atalanta BC during UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund at the Mapei Stadium - Citta' del Tricolor
Racism has been an ongoing issue in Italian football, with a number of high-profile incidents occurring throughout the course of the campaign.
As relayed byTaiye Taiwoof Goal, earlier this year Atalanta had part of the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia closed after Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly suffered racist abuse; Atalanta use a different facility for their Europa League games due to UEFA regulations.
Also in January, perBBC Sport, Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi said he "experienced racism" during a match with Cagliari, although Serie A opted against any punishment as the officials were not aware of any racist language used.
In December, in a game at Hellas Verona, Matuidi was racially abused by home supporters, prompting a partial stadium ban and a fine, per the Press Association (h/tESPN FC).
While commenting on a serious issue, Batshuayi did take the time to joke with a fan responding to one of his messages on Thursday evening:
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a tremendous start to life in Germany after his loan switch from Chelsea in January, netting five goals in his first five games for the club.
Borussia Dortmund Reportedly Eyeing Permanent Michy Batshuayi Deal in the Summer
Feb 13, 2018
DORTMUND, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 10: Michy Batshuayi of Dortmund celebrates after scoring his team`s first goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and Hamburger SV at Signal Iduna Park on February 10, 2018 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Borussia Dortmund will reportedly try to sign Michy Batshuayi on a permanent basis in the summer after Chelsea knocked back their attempt to do so in January.
According to MailOnline's Simon Jones, BVB want to extend his stay beyond his loan deal, which runs until the end of the season.
Dortmund secured him for the second half of the campaign last month as a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Gabon striker joined Arsenal while Gunners forward Olivier Giroud replaced Batshuayi, with the three transfers forming a chain.
Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke revealed the German outfit pushed for a slightly different deal: "We tried our best to get a permanent option for Michy Batshuayi, but it was a no go for Chelsea. When [Blues owner] Roman Abramovich says 'no,' it is a 'no.'"
Batshuayi has already made a significant impact in a short time at Dortmund, per Squawka Football:
Since Michy Batshuayi has joined Borussia Dortmund they have scored 4 goals in 2 games.
Michy Batshuayi has been directly involved in 100% of those goals:
The Belgian had netted 12 goals for Chelsea in 1,160 minutes of play in the first half of the season, but Blues boss Antonio Conte has never appeared convinced by him since his arrival for £33 million in 2016.
Last year, Batshuayi was given just 702 minutes to prove himself on the pitch at Stamford Bridge. Despite his limited playing time, he mustered nine goals, including the strike that sealed the Premier League title for the Blues.
Batshuayi still has room for improvement in some areas of his game, such as his movement in attacking situations, but he's a prolific goalscorer, which counts for a lot.
Given his impressive record, the Blues would do well to keep hold of him upon his return, particularly if he continues to do well in the coming months.
Borussia Dortmund Issue Statement on Arsenal Target Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Jan 27, 2018
Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vies for the ball during the Champions League Group H soccer match between APOEL Nicosia and Borussia Dortmund at GSP stadium, in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc on Saturday admitted the club is ready to sell striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Arsenal but only if the Gunners offer more after two rejected bids.
"We are prepared to implement a transfer under certain parameters—but only if these parameters are fully met. Arsenal has started several attempts so far. We have all rejected so far."
"Either our demands are fulfilled, then there can be another transfer, or else they will not be fulfilled and Auba will play in Dortmund until the summer, so it is also discussed and accepted by the Aubameyang family."
Zorc was speaking ahead of Dortmund's game against SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday, with Aubameyang selected in the starting XI despite the intense speculation he will quit the club during the January transfer window.
Aubameyang may still be a Dortmund player, but supporters no longer appear to be enamoured with the team's chief goal threat. ESPN FC's Stefan Buczko noted the Westfalenstadion faithful's disgruntled response to the striker's appearance:
A future away from Dortmund is looking increasingly likely for Aubameyang. An earlier report fromSky Sports Germany revealed Zorc and managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke feel the Gabon international should leave (h/tWarrenHaughtonofThe Sun).
Arsenal are the team most often linked with the prolific 28-year-old but have found negotiations tough. The Gunners have seen two bids rebuffed, per BBC Sport'sSimon Stone, who noted how Dortmund want more than £50 million for their star attacker.
Dortmund have been angered by Arsenal's sluggish bartering and low bids, according to German sourceKicker(h/tMartin Dominof theDaily Mirror). However, Goal'sChris Wheatleyrevealed the Gunners remain optimistic a transfer will go through.
Landing Aubameyang would rate as a coup for Arsenal, particularly after seeing attacking talisman Alexis Sanchez join Premier League rivals Manchester United earlier in January. Aubameyang's former Dortmund team-mate Henrikh Mkhitaryan joined the Gunners as part of the same deal.
Aubameyang could reunite with Mkhitaryan at Arsenal.
Mkhitaryan possesses similar vision and flair to Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil. Both need the kind of pace ahead of them that Aubameyang provides.
The Dortmund man can stretch any defence and has a knack for seizing chances, having scored 21 times in all competitions this season. Adding Aubameyang alongside Ozil, Mkhitaryan and Alexandre Lacazette would give Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger one of the deepest and most gifted forward lines of his 21-year tenure.
Borussia Dortmund Reportedly Target Michy Batshuayi to Replace Aubameyang
Jan 17, 2018
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea at Vitality Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
German newspaper Bild(h/t the Mirror'sAlex Richards) noted Aubameyang has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners, and Batshuayi is the man they're seeking to succeed him if he moves to the Emirates Stadium.
Per the article, Dortmund have scouted the Belgium international extensively and were interested in making a move for him in the summer of 2016, prior to his €40 million switch from Marseille to Stamford Bridge.
Goal's Nizaar Kinsella recently provided comments from Chelsea manager Antonio Conte regarding his fringe player, who has started only twice in the Premier League this term:
Conte on Batshuayi loan [Sevilla]: "He is Chelsea's player. He is in our squad and tomorrow he has to play. Then I think this is the truth until now, he is a Chelsea player. He is having the possibility to show he deserves to play for Chelsea" #CFC
Aubameyang's move away from the Westfalenstadion looks even more assured after general manager Michael Zorc confessed the forward's discipline has become too great an issue, per Richards:
“At some point you can't tolerate it any more. I don't know what's going on inside his head. We had a very contentious discussion today. We're not used to this behaviour from him.
"What is going on now is not to be tolerated by the club. It is clear: It cannot go on like this. I don't know what is going through his mind. I don't recognise him anymore.
"There is trouble in the team and that's not good."
There may yet be a chance for the Gabon international to rescue his Bundesliga career, however, after Goal's Chris Wheatley provided comment from Dortmund head coach Peter Stoger:
Stoger on Aubameyang: "I had a chat with him yesterday, which was completely ok. It was a chat in which once again he said that he was sorry." https://t.co/PMsgIsYEoI
While Aubameyang has scored 21 times in 23 appearances for his club this season, Batshuayi has netted seven in seven starts in all senior competitions (20 appearances in total). The 24-year-old's chances have been limited as he sits behind first-choice Alvaro Morata in the pecking order.
It's difficult to envision the Belgian receiving headline duties at Stamford Bridge as long as Morata remains fit, and Conte recently gave some indication as to the supplemental role he can play:
'Batshuayi has a good future ahead of him'
Antonio Conte suggests there is no room for the striker in his Chelsea team, but is happy with his work behind the scenes
But Batshuayi's strike rate of one goal per start this term points to a lurking talent, and the Black and Yellows will me more ready to invest in his potential than the Blues—particularly if Aubameyang leaves.
The Dortmund star must first move to the Emirates Stadium before Chelea's outcast can bank on a transfer, though, and Arsenal writer James McNicholas gave some insight into why that move could materialise:
Batshuayi left Ligue 1 as one of the French top flight's biggest prospects, but all he's been able to display in west London is glimpses of his potential.
Dortmund may look to revive the 24-year-old's career with a midseason move, although Chelsea may seek to find cover of their own before they agree to any departures.
Christian Pulisic Says LeBron James a 'Big Inspiration' for Him
Jan 11, 2018
Dortmund's Christian Pulisic celebrates after he scored his side's second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG Hoffenheim in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017. Dortmund defeated Hoffenheim with 2-1. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
"LeBron James has always been a big inspiration of mine," he said. "I'm a big fan—I just love to watch him and I obviously support wherever he is."
The Hershey, Pennsylvania native also gave a shout-out to Philadelphia.
"I also like my hometown team, the 76ers," he said. "I like to follow a lot of different teams and different players—I just really like the sport."
Pulisic, 19, also revealed that he played the sport growing up:
"I played one year of competitive basketball actually. I don't remember what grade I was in, maybe middle school or something. I was always the smallest one but I did my best. I thought I did pretty good but I was always a little bit better at soccer so I had to make the decision.
"[Basketball] is definitely one of my biggest passions. I played every day after school with all my friends from high school in Pennsylvania. They weren't really soccer players so we would play basketball all the time."
Choosing soccer has worked out pretty well for Pulisic. The 19-year-old has already won a regular place in Dortmund's first team, scoring three goals and adding an assist in 16 appearances in Bundesliga play this season.
He also finished third in goals during CONCACAF World Cup qualifying with seven, trailing only Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz (nine) and his United States' team-mate Jozy Altidore (eight). His six assists led all players in the competition, though his excellent qualifying run wasn't enough to push the U.S. into the 2018 World Cup, as the country disappointingly fell short for the first time since 1986.
Still, Pulisic has the upside to become the most talented and productive player in USMNT history, as least to this point. Given James' place amongst the all-time greats in NBA and basketball history, it's little surprise that a basketball fan like Pulisic considers him an inspiration.
Guangzhou Evergrande Slam 'Groundless' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Rumours
Jan 9, 2018
Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks on during a German first division Bundesliga soccer match between FSV Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund in Mainz, Germany, Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017.(AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Chinese Super League side Guangzhou Evergrande have dismissed speculation linking them with a move for Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang as "completely groundless."
Reports had emerged from Beijing Youth Daily (h/t Agence France-Presse, viaMailOnline) that Aubameyang was a target for the club in a transfer worth a potential £62 million.
However, in an official statement from the CSL side, they made it clear they do not have any interest in landing the Gabon forward, per Dom Farrell of Goal:
"The story of Guangzhou Evergrande FC buying an active Bundesliga player with a transfer fee significantly higher than the maximum limit set by CFA's regulatory rules is completely groundless.
"The Bundesliga club involved have clearly denied the rumours during interviews with German media. Guangzhou Evergrande will continue to strictly obey the CFA's regulations on player transfers."
Additionally, Guanzhou said they are willing to take legal action against any outlets that link them with a move for the player.
As noted below, speaking with Kicker, Dortmund president Reinhard Rauball insisted Aubameyang has been inundated with offers to leave BVB:
The striker is one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football and has long been a talismanic figure in the final third for Dortmund.
At the top end of the pitch, he gives defenders many issues. Aubameyang is strong on the ball, can link the play, and most significantly of all, he is blisteringly quick. If the 28-year-old can get in behind teams, there's not a chance of him being caught.
The striker continues to make improvements in his movement and awareness. However, as relayed by OptaFranz, when he does find himself in good positions, he can be a little profligate:
His time at Dortmund has never been plain sailing despite the goals. As noted by MailOnline, there have been countless rumours in recent seasons about a possible exit, with Aubameyang having made clear he would love the chance to join Real Madrid.
Aubameyang has been prolific and problematic for Dortmund.
The sharpshooter's conduct has left a little to be desired at times, too, as Aubameyang has twice served suspensions for breaches of discipline at Dortmund. The most recent saw him omitted from the squad in November for the match with Stuttgart due to "disciplinary reasons," per Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC.
Speaking about the player earlier in the year, sporting director Michael Zorc revealed Aubameyang has issues with his timekeeping, per football writer Lars Pollmann:
Given how good he remains—Aubameyang has 13 goals in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season—a move to China would have been regarded as a waste of talent by some, regardless of the lucrative money that would be on offer to the forward. If Dortmund do opt to sell, there would surely be a number of major clubs keen on landing him.
At the moment, Aubameyang's focus can't deviate too much from BVB either. After a strong start to the season, they have dropped off the pace in the Bundesliga; they're third on 28 points, although in a tight top-half of the table, 10th-place Hertha Berlin are only four points behind.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Reportedly a Target for Chinese Super League Transfer
Jan 8, 2018
DORTMUND, GERMANY - DECEMBER 16: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Dortmund scores the team`s first goal during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Dortmund and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at Signal Iduna Park on December 16, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/TF-Images via Getty Images)
According to Chinese state news agency Xinhua and Beijing Youth Daily (h/t Agence France-Presse, via MailOnline), there are at least two clubs from the division keen to bring the Gabon international in.
A source quoted in the report from Xinhua suggested CSL side Beijing Guoan have been "close to signing" Aubameyang.
Meanwhile, Guangzhou Evergrande are cited by Beijing Youth Daily as an interested club. It's suggested they would be willing to offer £62 million for Aubameyang, as well as a weekly wage of around £300,000.
If a deal were to come off, it would be an Asian record, with Shanghai SIPG's £53 million acquisition of Oscar the current benchmark.
Per the article, the Dortmund man has also been linked with a string of major European clubs, with Real Madrid said to be his preferred destination at this point.
The links to such prestigious clubs have stemmed from the excellent performances being turned in by Aubameyang at the Westfalenstadion.
As journalist Jan Hagen relayed ahead of the Bundesliga winter break, the 28-year-old is one of the most prolific players around:
Formerly a frustrating wide player, Aubameyang found his home as a centre-forward under former manager Jurgen Klopp.
At the point of the attack, the blistering pace he possesses is such an asset for Dortmund, as the striker has defenders consistently on edge. His movement, decision-making and finishing have all improved significantly in recent campaigns, too.
There aren't many teams the Gabonese wouldn't improve, so a transfer to the Chinese Super League would surprise some.
According to Dortmund president Reinhard Rauball, the striker has had a number of offers come his way, per Kicker:
There may be merits to Dortmund cashing in, though, even if Aubameyang's goals would be difficult to replace.
The conduct of the forward has come into question recently, as he was left out of the squad for the November meeting with Stuttgart in the Bundesliga due to "disciplinary reasons," per Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC. A year earlier, he was suspended for a UEFA Champions League clash with Sporting CP.
Dortmund's Gabonese forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates a goal during the UEFA Champions League group H football match Real Madrid CF vs Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on December 6, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / JAVIER SORIAN
As noted by journalist Lars Pollmann, the behaviour of Aubameyang is the one major stain on his stint with Dortmund:
Given he's in the peak years of his career, prolific in an elite league and arguably still improving his game, even at the age of 28, Aubameyang would be a big loss to European football if he did opt to make a move to China.
Players have been tempted by the CSL due to the remarkable wages on offer, and for any player, that's something that must be taken into consideration.
However, if this move did come off, Aubameyang would be the most high-profile footballer to make the switch to one of the world's most intriguing divisions.
