Timothy Weah and some of his teammates were racially abused online after the United States Of America’s 2-1 loss to Panama in their group stage game at the ongoing 2024 Copa America.
The US Soccer Federation have condemned the online racist abuse as Monaco attacker Folarin Balogun alongside Juventus duo of Weah and Weston McKennie were racially abused.
The United States Of America defeated Bolivia 2-0 in their opening game of the tournament, courtesy of goals from Christian Pulisic and Balogun in the 3rd and 44th minute respectively.
Their second group stage game didn’t go as they would have loved, as despite going ahead through Folarin Balogun in the 22nd minute, Panama secured a comeback victory courtesy of goals from Cesar Blackman and Jose Fajardo in the 26th and 83rd minute respectively.
The goal by Balogun was his 5th goal in 14 appearances for the USA and his 2nd goal thus far at the 2024 Copa America.
Moreover, 24-year-old Timothy Weah was dismissed in the 18th minute after punching Panama’s Roderick Miller in the head in an off-the-ball occurrence.
The ex-Lille man, who apologized to his teammates for the incident, expressed that it was simply a “moment of frustration”.
Weah has made 41 appearances for the United States Of America, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists.
Former Arsenal Star Folarin Balogun Shares Pictures Of Racial Abuses Sent To Him On Instagram
Additionally, Folarin Balogun also posted distasteful racial messages that were sent to him on Instagram.
An Instagram user sent him a picture of a monkey emoji alongside a banana, while another user of the social media platform sent him a picture of monkeys alongside the words which reads:
“Your father and mother” and “f*uck you mother”.
Racism has been an age long issue in football, with different individuals associated with the sport being on the receiving end.
Hopefully, it will become a thing of the past in no distant time, as stringent punishments are already being meted to those culpable for the act, most recently, a fan was jailed for racially abusing Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Jr.
United States Soccer Federation’s Statement On Timothy Weah, Weston McKennie And Folarin Balogun Being Racially Abused
The United States Soccer Federation emphatically stated in a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) that there is no room for racism in football.
They wrote: “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.”
Panama are ranked 43rd in the world by FIFA, the governing body of football, while the US are placed 11th on the rankings.
Gregg Berhalter’s side defended pretty well, but Panama were too hot to handle and the pressure paid off at the dying embers of the Copa America affair.
The team tutored by Thomas Christiansen were also reduced to 10 men late on in the game, as versatile player Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off for a ridiculous challenge on winger Christian Pulisic.
United States Of America In 2024 Copa America
Hosts USA are level on points (3) with Panama in Group C, heading into their final group stage game against group leaders Uruguay on July 2, 2024.
Despite having amassed the same points as Thomas Christiansen’s men, they are in a good but shaky position to make it through to the next round, as they sit 2nd on the log due to a better goal difference of +1 compared to Panama’s -1.
Panama face whipping boys, Bolivia in their final group game and a win could see them through to the next round if the United States Of America fail to win their fixture.
Uruguay sit at the summit of Group C with 6 points from 2 matches and they will be aiming to go through to the last 16 unbeaten.
This indicates that the USA have a bigger task at hand if they want to make it through to the round of 16.
Meanwhile, the United States Of America will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, and their fans will be hoping for success now and in the coming years.
