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Updated December 4th, 2019 at 16:22 IST

Ballon d'Or judges accused of racism after Sadio Mane finishes fourth

Ballon d'Or judges have been accused of racism by former Senegalese player Beye after Liverpool's Sadio Mane finished fourth in this year's Ballon d'Or ranking.

Reported by: Minaam Ansari
Ballon d'Or
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France Football announced this year’s Ballon d’Or winners at a lavish ceremony held in Paris, France on December 2, 2019. Lionel Messi won the award for a record sixth time in his career, beating the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the Ballon d’Or ranking has made some fans believe that the jury were being racist. 

Also Read | Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister Posts Angry Response To Virgil Van Dijk's Ballon D'Or Jibe

Ballon d'Or judges have been accused of racism 

The Ballon d’Or judges have been accused of racism. Some fans have taken Liverpool forward Sadio Mane's side, after the Senegalese International finished fourth in this year’s ranking. Sadio Mane was phenomenal last season, winning the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool. Former Senegalese player Beye has accused the judges of ignoring Mane’s performance because he was African.

Also Read | Ballon D'Or Highlights: Lionel Messi Crowned The World's Best Player For A Record 6th Time

Former Senegalese player Beye feels that Sadio Mane deserved to win the Ballon d'Or

While speaking to Canal+, Beye stated that Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of football. However, he did not have a great campaign last season. He could not save his team from being knocked out in the Champions League. Beye also said that Sadio Mane was African and that was the only reason why he was placed fourth in the ranking.

Sadio Mane was behind Lionel Messi, Virgil van Dijk and Cristiano Ronaldo in the rankings. He scored a total of 26 goals, with five assists across all competitions last season. While Messi had scored 51 goals in 50 games last year. However, Beye still insists that Mane’s ranking behind Van Dijk was a scandal. He claimed that Mane should have won the Ballon d’Or after his form last season.

Also Read | Liverpool's Sadio Mane Touted As Potential Ballon D'Or 2019 Contender

Senegalese journalist voted for Sadio Mane for the Ballon d'Or

National team coaches, captains and one journalist from each country are authorised to vote for their top picks. Unsurprisingly, Senegal's journalist Allou Goloko from AllAfrica network voted for Sadio Mane as his top choice to win the Ballon d’Or, followed by Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah, Kalidou Koulibaly and Virgil Van Dijk.

Also Read | Lionel Messi Certainly Thinks That His Ballon D'Or Record Will Be Broken In Future

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Published December 4th, 2019 at 12:02 IST

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