FIFA drops racism investigation on Batshuayi’s claims

The cases of racism continue. This time, UEFA has decided to drop their investigation into the claims of racial abuse directed towards Michy Batshuayi in a match between Dortmund and Atalanta in the Europa League last month. UEFA have done so without giving any reason why they were dropping the case which brings suspicion to the way they handle issues of racism. Many players have been racially abused in the past and these include Mario Balotelli, Samuel Eto’o, Muntari, Roberto Carlos, and Everton Luiz among others. UEFA are clearly not doing enough to end racism because many players are being affected by it and the abusers know that little action will be taken against them. In this instance, Batshuayi’s case has been dropped for no reason and the player has responded to that decision by posting, “LOL. It was probably in my imagination,” on his Twitter account. The Belgian striker on-loan at Dortmund from Chelsea laughs it off because of disappointment. This is the second time in less than a month that UEFA have decided to close the investigation on claims of racial discrimination after a black player publicly drew attention. Hefty fines and bans are placed on the players that take matters into their own hands when racially abused and leave the pitch like Kevin Prince-Boateng did. What is UEFA waiting to be done so that they could take serious measures against these inhumane characters who discriminate against other human beings of different race, religion, gender, sex etc?

Arsenal unconvincingly down Stoke 3-0

Arsenal were looking to pick up from where they left off before the international break with a win against Stoke City. The match started off well with some end to end stuff and Aaron Ramsey hit the crossbar after some beautiful play by Arsenal. Shaqiri came close for Stoke with a fine finessed shot from the edge of the box which nearly went in the far corner of Ospina’s goal. Although the match kept fans at the end of the sits, the first half produced no goals. It was only in the second half that new signing Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang found the net from the penalty spot after Mesut Ozil was brought down in the penalty area. It is important to note that this was after his strike partner (Lacazette) came onto the pitch replacing Danny Welbeck who was not producing the final ball in the match. The two forwards gave problems to the Stoke defense by roaming into different dangerous positions and creating spaces that were being utilized by Ramsey although he failed to score. It was on the 86th minute that Aubameyang found his second of the game as he placed a cool finish from a cross. The match did not end until Lacazette made his mark on the day of his return from a lengthy injury that kept him out for quite some time. Ozil was brought down again in the 18 area and this time Aubameyang showed his class by allowing Lacazette to take the penalty instead of claiming his first Arsenal hattrick. The Frenchman did not make a mistake as he fired the penalty to the left side of Butland in goal and got the keeper to give in the wrong direction. That summed up a fine late show from the gunners that stunned Stoke City. It is just a shame that there were many empty seats in the Emirates Stadium with fans disappointed by the club’s form this season. They want what is best for Arsenal but feel that they cannot get it as long as Wenger is still at the helm and steering the ship in the direction he likes.