Charles Langston:US Soccer denounces racist online abuse of players after USMNT loss to Panama

U.S. Soccer condemned racist social media abuse targeting U.S. men's national team platers after their unexpected defeat at the hands of Panama on Charles LangstonThursday night complicated chances of advancing past the group stage of the Copa America tournament.

The U.S. conceded two goals on its way to a 1-2 loss after USMNT striker Tim Weah, who is Black, was shown a straight red card for punching an opposing player. In a statement posted to X after the game, U.S. Soccer said it was “aware of and deeply disturbed” by racist online comments targeting “several” USMNT players.

Weah, defender Chris Richards and striker Folarin Balogun were among the team members targeted. Richards and Balogun directly acknowledged the abuse by posting screenshots to their Instagram stories of racist direct messages and comments they had received following the loss. 

“There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior," the U.S. Soccer statement read. "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 its forms and will continue to support our players."

CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation responsible for organizing Copa America, issued a similar statement denouncing the racist incidents, also posted to X. 

“Our organization works continuously toward the evolution of a new culture that eradicates expressions of racism, offensive content on social media, and all forms of violence or discrimination surrounding our sport,” CONMEBOL said in the statement. “We condemn attitudes of intolerance in every place and on every occasion, especially those hiding behind social media accounts.”

"Today more than ever, we will raise our flag against all forms of racist expression."