Tim Weah, Folarin Balogun and other members of the United States national team were the target of racist insults on social media after the Americans were defeated 2-1 by Panama in the Copa America on Thursday night.
The US Soccer Federation issued a statement saying it was “deeply disturbed by racist comments made online.”
Weah, who is black, was sent off in the 18th minute after punching a Panama player. It was the first red card for an American player since Jimmy Conrad was ejected from a friendly against Honduras in 2010.
The short-handed Americans nearly equalized, but Panama scored a late goal that seriously jeopardized the United States’ hopes of advancing beyond the first round.
After scoring Team USA’s only goal on Thursday, Balogun shared racist messages he received on Instagram, which included images of primates and banana emojis.
Tim Weah leaves the field after receiving a red card in the first half of the match between the United States and Panama
Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal
The US Soccer Federation said several of its players were targets of racist comments, although it declined to name anyone specifically.
“There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior,” the statement said.
“These actions are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the values of respect and inclusion that we defend as an organization.”
The US Soccer Federation will offer mental health services to any player or staff member who requests it. The governing body also reported racist abuse to CONMEBOL, the South American organizers of the tournament.
Well issued a public apology on social media for a loss of composure that cost his team dearly.
‘No matter what happens, I will always fight for my team and my country until the day it is no longer necessary or capable of doing so!’ he said.
‘I sincerely apologize to everyone. “My love for this team goes beyond football and I am very sad and angry at myself for putting my brothers through what they went through tonight.”