LFP opens investigation into alleged racist incident during Bordeaux-Dunkirk

According to L’Équipe , the LFP disciplinary committee will open an investigation into an alleged racist incident during the game between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and USL Dunkerque on Tuesday evening. 

Bordeaux’s Danylo Ihnatenko (27) has been accused of racially abusing Alioune Ba (34) during an altercation between the players. Following the game, Ba reportedly criticised the referee for his inaction during the match when the defender alerted the official to the incident. 

It was noted in the match official’s documentation that Ba supported by his captain Opa Sanganté (33) had complained to the referee about Ihnatenko in the 60th minute where they alleged that the Bordeaux midfielder had racially abused Ba. 

In the referee’s report, it is stated that the Bordeaux player was given a “ dismissal ” by the referee although what this exactly means is unclear as the player was not sanctioned on the pitch receiving neither a yellow nor a red card. 

Bordeaux responded yesterday noting that they were taking the incident “ very seriously ” while they began an internal report into what happened. L’Équipe reports that it has shocked Bordeaux from the hierarchy down to Ihnatenko’s teammates, with a source from within the club telling the paper “ We all know he’s not racist .” 

L’Équipe was further told that Ihnatenko has defended himself to the club by denying the accusations and stating that it is a matter of “ his word against mine .” Bordeaux will presume his innocence until proven otherwise, and they are expected to select him in the squad that will face Stade Lavallois on the weekend. 

For Dunkirk, the club are reportedly exploring all available avenues as they assess what their next step will be, there is even the threat