USMNT ‘Deeply Disturbed’ by Online Racial Abuse of Players Following Copa América Loss to Panama

WHAT HAPPENED?

The USMNT fell 2-1 to Panama on Thursday night in their second Copa America match, leaving it all to play for heading into the final group stage game next Monday against Uruguay. A stunning goal from Folarin Balogun was not enough for the U.S. to overcome a costlyTim Weah red card.

After the match, several USMNT players took to social media to reveal online racist abuse in the moments following the match.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

U.S. players Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards both posted examples of abuse on their social media feeds, highlighting some of the racist messages they’d received. U.S. Soccer quickly put out a statement condemning the abuse.

WHAT U.S. SOCCER SAID

“U.S. Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by the racist comments made online and directed at several of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” the Federation said in a statement. “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.

“U.S. Soccer stands firmly against racism in all forms and will continue to support our players.”

U.S. Soccer stands firmly against racism in all forms and will continue to support our players. pic.twitter.com/QayH6AY7ji

— U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) June 28, 2024

WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?

The U.S. will now look to their third and final group stage game, which comes Monday against Uruguay. The match is essentially must-win for the U.S. if they hope to escape the group stage.