Malaga owner cites racism as reason for Dortmund loss

Felipe Santana (second from left) scored a controversial goal to send Dortmund into the semifinals.

Frank Augstein/AP

MALAGA, Spain (AP) -- Malaga owner Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani said on Twitter that his team's elimination from the Champions League quarterfinals by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday was because of "racism.''

Malaga was heading into the semifinals until Dortmund defender Felipe Santana scored from what looked to be an offside position in stoppage time for the 3-2 win. Other Dortmund players who touched the ball in the build-up to the goal appeared also to be offside.

Abdullah Bin Nasser Al-Thani wrote on his Twitter account that "this is not football, but racism and clear of all.''

"Thank you very much for the team you have been Champions On the pitch I'm sorry to go out this way injustice and racism,'' he wrote, adding that hopes UEFA opens a "thorough investigation'' into the Spanish club's exit.

One Malaga goal also appeared to be offside.

Malaga's players and coach, along with a large part of the Spanish media, were critical of the referee.

Spanish sports daily Marca led its website edition with "Off... sides!'' in giant lettering, while ABC newspaper wrote about Malaga's "cruel farewell'' from the Champions League due to "a clear offside'' goal.

In December, UEFA banned Malaga from European competition for one upcoming season for not paying wages and taxes on time.