Football: Uefa charges Atalanta for alleged racist chants and Dortmund over their fans' behaviour

Borussia Dortmund striker Michy Batshuayi hit out at Atalanta fans for making monkey noises during a Europa League last-32 second-leg meeting between the two sides. PHOTO: REUTERS

(REUTERS) - Uefa has charged Atalanta for alleged racist behaviour after Borussia Dortmund striker Michy Batshuayi said he was racially abused by the Italian Serie A side's supporters in last Thursday's (Feb 22) Europa League last-32 second-leg meeting between the two sides.

Batshuayi, on-loan from English Premier League champions Chelsea, hit out at Atalanta fans for making monkey noises during the second leg of the tie, which ended 1-1 and saw Dortmund progress to the last 16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.

The Italian team have been charged with violating several Uefa disciplinary and safety regulations including racist behaviour, setting off fireworks, throwing of objects and blocking stairways.

"The cases will be dealt with by the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 22 March," the governing body of European football said.

German Bundesliga side Dortmund have also been charged with their fans setting off fireworks and throwing objects.

Atalanta were previously handed a suspended one-game stand closure after Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly was subjected to racist chants during a league game between the two sides.

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