Canada centre back Moise Bombito has been the victim of online racial abuse following his tackle on Lionel Messi in the team’s 2-0 loss to Argentina in the Copa America opener.
Canada Soccer, who did not reveal his name, said they had reported the matter to the game’s governing body in the region.
Bombito, who is Black, received abuse online following a crunching tackle on Messi where he caught the Argentina skipper on the ankle.
“Canada Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by racist comments made online and directed at one of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match,” it said in a statement.
“We are in communication with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about this matter,” it said, referring to the soccer governing bodies for the Americas.
Posting on social media after the match, Bombito wrote: “My beautiful Canada,” adding a heart emoji. “No room for that bs.”
CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North, Central America and the Caribbean, said they will investigate the accounts that posted the material.
“We stand with Canada Soccer in condemning the disgraceful media posts aimed at Moise Bombito. Racism has no place in our sport or in society,” it said in a statement.
CONMEBOL also issued a statement in support of the player and echoed CONCACAF’s actions, stating they will act according to the necessary parameters with those who decide to act outside the rules of coexistence.
“Our organisation works permanently in the evolution of a new culture that eradicates expressions of racism, offensive content on social networks and any kind of violence or discrimination around our football,” it said.
Earlier this week, world soccer body FIFA said its social media tools designed to protect players from online abuse would be available to all 211 member associations and their teams.
Argentina’s victory with goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez gave the defending champions three points while Canada are bottom of Group A.