Racism in football is definitely a scourge that continues… AS Monaco expressed this Friday “its unwavering support” for its player Folarin Balogun, target of insulting and racist remarks on its social networks on the sidelines of the Copa America match between the United States and Panama. The Club “condemns with the greatest firmness any act of racism and discrimination” and adds that “this behavior is in total contradiction with the values of the club and the sporting spirit that it defends”.
The same tone was heard from the US Soccer Federation, which released a statement on Twitter. “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 inclusion that we defend as an organization,” the US Soccer Federation responded in a brief statement on social networks. US Soccer firmly opposes racism in all its forms and will continue to support its players.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗾𝘂𝗲́ 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗹
AS Monaco expresses its unwavering support for its player Folarin Balogun, the target of insulting and racist remarks on its social networks on the sidelines of the Copa America match between the United States and Panama.
The Club condemns with the… pic.twitter.com/iJXMJDWTUG
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) June 28, 2024
Despite opening the scoring through Folarin Balogun, the United States lost 2-1 to Panama in Atlanta on Thursday during the second day of the Copa America group stage, having been hampered by the sending off of striker Tim Weah.
Following the match, the 22-year-old American player was the subject of racist attacks on social networks. In particular, he broadcast messages received privately on Instagram, comparing him to a monkey.
🚨 Folarin Balogun shares on Instagram racist DMs he’s received following the USMNT match against Panama.
Not acceptable. pic.twitter.com/7zrAXP7IKH
— Attacking Football (@AttackingFooty) June 28, 2024
The host of this 48th edition of the continental competition had started off with a bang, with a goal from Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie after less than five minutes of play, which was ultimately ruled out for offside.
But just after the first quarter of an hour, Tim Weah was shown a red card for a blow to Panamanian defender Roderick Miller and the United States found themselves down to ten men. That didn’t stop them from opening the scoring with a curling shot from Folarin Balogun just outside the box (22nd minute). The AS Monaco forward scored his second goal in two games, after the opening match against Bolivia.
USA second in group
But Panama, ranked 41st in the FIFA rankings while the United States are 11th, immediately recovered and equalized through Cesar Blackman (26th minute), following a defensive hesitation by the Americans. The red tide, one of the nicknames of the Panamanian selection, then exerted constant pressure on the United States defense, which multiplied, before cracking, in the 83rd minute. On a service from Abdiel Ayarza, José Fajardo gave his country a decisive advantage.
Before the match between Bolivia and Uruguay, the United States remained second in Group C, thanks to goal difference, ahead of third-placed Panama. Only the top two will qualify for the quarterfinals.
