ATLANTA — Thursday's match between the United States and Panama was not pretty for the fellas donning red, white and blue, but the reaction to the match afterward was even worse.
Panama defeated the USMNT 2-1 in a very physical match that featured 19 fouls on Panama (three yellow cards and one red card) and four on the United States (two yellow cards and one red card). Tim Weah was sent off in the 18th minute for the United States after punching a Panama player, and Adalberto Carrasquilla later on in the 88th minute for Panama.
After the match, the U.S. Soccer Federation issued a statement saying it was "deeply disturbed with the racist comments made online." Multiple U.S. players, all who are Black, received derogatory messages. Screenshots of messages were posted to Instagram by Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards.
Weah was also reportedly subjected to racist abuse on social media.
The tournament's hosts – CONMEBOL and CONCACAF – both released statements condemning the racism aimed at the players:
This comes just days after similar racist remarks were made towards a Canadian player, who is also Black. Those comments were directed at Moise Bombito, who was seen on video tackling Argentina striker Lionel Messi where he caught Messi on the ankle.
Weah issued a public apology on social media for a loss of composure that cost his team dearly.
"No matter what, I will always fight for my team and my country till the day I am no longer needed or capable to!" he said. "I sincerely apologize to everyone. My love for this team goes beyond just football and I am so sad and angry at myself for putting my brothers through what they went through tonight."
USMNT takes on group leader and 15-time Copa America champion, Uruguay, in their final group stage match on Sunday. The United States will likely need to beat Uruguay to advance to the knockout round. Here is a look at how they can advance:
More Copa America coverage:
