Schalke Apologise to Dortmund Teenager Youssoufa Moukoko For Fan Abuse In Derby

In March this year, Moukoko broke the scoring record for a Bundesliga U19 season scoring 38 goals in the season as Borussia Dortmund romped to the title. (Picture courtesy: Bundesliga)

Germany club Schalke 04 apologised to 15-year-old Borussia Dortmund player Youssoufa Moukoko for the reaction of their fans after he scored a hat-trick in the Under-19 Ruhr derby between the two clubs.

“We can only apologise to Youssoufa Moukoko for what fans shouted during the Under-19 game,” the club said via Twitter. “Putting emotions of a derby aside, we fully condemn such insults and reject them.”

“We will take necessary measures together with the Schalke fan department.”

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Fans were recently allowed back into stadiums in Germany, and in a clip from the game on the German FA’s live stream, they could be heard hurling racist comments and threats at Moukoko after his second goal.

German media also widely reported racist chants had been aimed at the teenager, who reacted defiantly. “I am proud to have been born with this skin colour and I will always be proud,” he wrote on his Instagram story alongside the “Black Lives Matter” hashtag.

Moukoko is considered among the most talented players in European football in recent times. In the 2018-19 season, he managed to score as many as 50 goals in 28 matches for Dortmund's Under-17 side against opponents who were much older than him.

Last season, aged 14, he progressed to be a part of the under-19 squad and scored 38 goals in 28 matches. When he turns 16 next month he will be eligible to play in the Bundesliga.

Moukoko has already made it to the “B” List of Dortmund’s Champions League squad, and is on the verge of being the youngest player to be a part of the list.