Canada Soccer said they were in touch with the sport’s governing bodies after one of their players received racist abuse online following their 2-0 loss to Argentina in the Copa América opener on Thursday.
The country’s governing body did not reveal the player’s name but centre-back Moïse Bombito, who is Black, received abuse online following a crunching tackle on Lionel Messi where he caught the Argentina skipper on the ankle.
“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 match,” it said in a statement.
“We are in communication with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about this matter,” it said, referring to the soccer governing bodies for the Americas.
Posting on social media after the match, Bombito wrote: “My beautiful Canada,” adding a heart emoji. “No room for that bs.”
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.