Canada Soccer releases statement after racist comments directed at player
Posted June 21, 2024 6:33 am.
Canada Soccer says it is deeply disturbed after one of its men’s national team players was targeted by racist comments online after Thursday’s Copa America opener.
“Canada Soccer is aware and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” the statement says.
“We are in communication with Concacaf and Conmebal about this matter.”
The statement was released hours after Canada lost 2-0 to Argentina in the tournament opener in Atlanta.
Canada Soccer did not reveal the player’s name, but Reuters reports Montreal, Que. centre-back Moise Bombito, who is Black, was subjected to the alleged online abuse following a tackle on Argentina’s Lionel Messi, where Bombito caught the global soccer star on the ankle.
Bombito uploaded a photo of himself to his Instagram story, writing, “My beautiful Canada. No room for that BS.”
Canada’s next tournament game is scheduled for June 25 against Peru, followed by a match against Chile on June 29.
With files from Sportsnet staff
