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Dayot Upamecano: Bayern Munich defender condemns racist abuse after Lazio defeat

Dayot Upamecano said “racism has no place anywhere” after the defender was subjected to racist abuse following Bayern Munich’s 1-0 defeat by Lazio.

Upamecano, 25, was sent off in the 67th minute of the first leg of Bayern’s Champions League last-16 tie, with Ciro Immobile scoring the resulting penalty.

Bayern Munich condemned the racist abuse directed at the centre-back on social media after the fixture.

“2024 and we still have to repeat it,” wrote Upamecano on Instagram.

“Making mistakes is part of football. I made one and I apologise to my team-mates and supporters.

“Everything remains possible at home and I believe in my team.

“Criticism is part of football but racism has no place anywhere. When in stadium, or on social media.”

Bayern Munich failed to have a shot on target in Rome, with the defeat increasing the pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel, having also lost 3-0 to Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday.

The former Chelsea manager criticised Upamecano in his post-match press conference following the defeat at the Stadio Olimpico.

“We did everything we could to fall behind, making errors and losing confidence,” said Tuchel. “[There was] no need for Upamecano to go in like that. It’s not wild or intentional – but just block the shot.”

Bayern trail Bayer Leverkusen by five points in the Bundesliga and have already been eliminated from the German Cup.

Story by BBC sports