the Champions League quarter-finals at the hands of Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday was because of "racism".
Málaga looked to be heading into the semi-finals as they led 2-1 on the night (and on aggregate) until Dortmund scored twice in injury-time, the second coming from defender Felipe Santana, who scored from what looked to be an offside position in stoppage time to secure the 3-2 win. Other Dortmund players who touched the ball in the build-up to the goal appeared also to be offside, although Málaga's second goal also appeared to be offside.
Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani wrote on his Twitter account that "this is not football, but racism and clear of all". He wrote: "Thank you very much for the team you have been Champions on the pitch … I'm sorry to go out this way [due to] injustice and racism," adding that he hopes Uefa opens a "thorough investigation" into the Spanish club's exit.
Málaga coach Manuel Pellegrini did not echo Al Thani's claims of racism, but the normally cool and collected Chilean was scathing about the referee. "After we went up 2-1, there was no refereeing," Pellegrini said. "They pushed us into our area with shoves and elbows. They had two players who should have been sent off, and two offside violations during the third goal that shouldn't have counted. We are leaving with a very bitter feeling."
Spanish sports daily Marca led its website edition with "Off … sides!" in giant lettering, while ABC newspaper wrote about Málaga's "cruel farewell" from the Champions League due to "a clear offside" goal.
In December, Uefa banned Málaga from European competition for one upcoming season for not paying wages and taxes on time.
