Balogun, Weah, suffers racist abuse in USA vs Panama

Tim Weah, son of legendary African soccer team player George Weah, and former Arsenal Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun and other members of the U.S. national team were racially abused on social media after the Americans were defeated 2-1 by Panama in the Copa America on Thursday night.

The U.S. Soccer Federation said in a statement that it was “deeply disturbed by the racist comments made online.”

Weah was sent off in the 18th minute after punching a Panama player, the first red card for a U.S. player since Jimmy Conrad was sent off in a 2010 friendly against Honduras.

The Americans nearly held on for a draw, but Panama scored a late goal, seriously jeopardizing the U.S. hopes of advancing past the first round.

After scoring the US’s lone goal on Thursday, Balogun shared racist messages he had received on Instagram, including images of primates and banana emojis.

US Soccer said several of its players had been targeted with racist comments, although it declined to name anyone specifically.

“There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behaviour,” the statement via the Daily Mail said.

“These actions are not only unacceptable, but also contrary to the values ​​of respect and inclusivity that we as an organization hold dear.”

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