Concacaf to probe racist abuse of Canada player
Credit to Author: ESPN News Services| Date: Fri, 21 Jun 2024 17:15:36 EST
The ESPN FC Live crew react to Emiliano Martinez’s point-blank save from Jonathan David’s header. (0:32)
Concacaf says it will investigate racist messages directed at Canada‘s Moïse Bombito on social media after he made a tackle on Lionel Messi during a 2-0 Copa América loss to Argentina on Thursday.
The Canadian National Team issued a statement on social media late Thursday night about the messages without mentioning Bombito by name.
“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s game,” the statement said. “We are in communication with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about this matter.”
Concacaf said it stood with Canada Soccer “in condemning the disgraceful social media posts.
“We are now working with the federation and with our colleagues at CONMEBOL and FIFA to seek ways to investigate the accounts which posted racist material. We will continue to use our reach to promote unity and respect.”
Bombito, a 24-year-old from Montreal who plays for the Colorado Rapids in MLS, made an Instagram story post that didn’t reference anything specifically but said, “My beautiful Canada. No room for that bs.”
Bombito caught Messi while attempting a tackle in the 82nd minute after his pass was intercepted by Lautaro Martínez. Messi, clearly in pain, went down in the penalty box after Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau saved an ensuing shot from Martinez.
Replays showed a sliding Bombito getting a foot to the ball and then making contact with Messi’s right ankle. There was no foul called.
Messi walked off the field gingerly after receiving treatment but returned to action and set up Argentina’s second goal in the 88th minute.
Earlier this week, world soccer body FIFA said its social media tools designed to protect players from online abuse would be available to all 211 member associations and their teams.
Argentina’s victory with goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez gave the defending champions three points, while Canada are bottom of Group A.
Information from The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.