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USMNT players targeted with online racist attacks after Copa América loss

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USMNT players targeted with online racist attacks after Copa América loss

ATLANTA — Several players on the U.S. men’s national soccer team were targeted with racist comments on social media following their 2-1 defeat to Panama on Thursday in Copa América, the U.S. Soccer Federation said.

“U.S. Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by the racist comments made online and directed at several of our players following tonight’s match,” the USSF said. “There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior. These actions are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the values of respect and inclusivity that we uphold as an organization.”

The USSF said it alerted CONMEBOL, the South American governing body that is organizing the 16-nation tournament, and will offer mental health services to “any of our players and staff who desire it.”

Tim Weah, one of six Black players who started the match for the U.S. team at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, received a red card in the 18th minute for punching an opponent in the back of the head. The U.S. team (1-1-0) subsequently took the lead but conceded goals in both halves, including one in the 83rd minute.

Weah is not eligible to play in the Group C finale Monday against Uruguay in Kansas City, Mo.

CONMEBOL issued a statement late Thursday, saying, “It has been and will be CONMEBOL’s most important policy defending the values of a just and inclusive society. … We condemn in every way attitudes of intolerance hiding behind accounts on social platforms.”

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