U.S. Soccer condemn racist comments aimed at former Gunner | OneFootball

U.S. Soccer has condemned racist comments directed against their players, with former Gunner Folarin Balogun revealing abuse in his direct messages.

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Former Gunner Folarin Balogun controls the ball during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal FC at Max-Morlock Stadion on July 13, 2023. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is currently away with the United States at Copa America, and he made it two goals in two games at the tournament with a wonderful finish off the post against Panama on Thursday night.

Yet the match didn’t go at all to plan, with Timothy Weah sent off, Matt Turner withdrawn with an injury, and Panama scoring twice to earn a 2-1 comeback victory.

After the game, Balogun revealed racially abusive messages he’d received in his Instagram DMs, and U.S. defender Chris Richards did the same.

Folarin Balogun with the USMNT (Photo via Balogun on Twitter)

U.S. Soccer released a statement in response, saying the following:

“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.

“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.”

Monaco’s US Folarin Balogun shoots a second penalty during the French L1 football match between AS Monaco and OGC Nice at the Louis II Stadium in the Principality of Monaco on September 22, 2023. (Photo by VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)

Though the U.S. statement didn’t specifically address Balogun, the player’s club side AS Monaco also released a statement on the situation.

“AS Monaco express full support for its player Folarin Balogun, who has been the target of racist and insulting comments online after the Copa America game between the United States and Panama.

“The Club strongly condemns all acts of racism and discrimination. These behaviors are in total contradiction with the values of our club and the sporting spirit we defend.”

Balogun will likely be involved against for the USMNT against Uruguay in their final group game on Monday night (Tuesday at 02:00 BST UK time).

The team will likely need a win to progress to the knockout rounds, with Panama sitting level on points and facing Bolivia in their final game.