The Canada men's national team and CONCACAF have spoken out in response to racist social media comments targeted at one of its players, which began after in the Copa América group stage on Thursday. In a statement, Canada said that it was "deeply disturbed" by the comments, and that the team was communicating with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about next steps. Canada Soccer Statement.
— CANMNT (@CANMNT_Official) Although the statement did not name the player directly, it is understood to be referring to Canadian defender Moïse Bombito. Bombito received racist comments on his Instagram page after tackling Argentina star Lionel Messi and clipping the 36-year-old forward on the ankle during Canada's game against Argentina on Thursday. Messi went down after the contact, and was visibly in pain.
Bombito did not respond to the comments directly, but did post a story on . "My beautiful Canada," the 24-year-old defender wrote on the story. "No room for that bs.
" CONCACAF released a on Friday as well, saying that it stands with Bombito and that it is working with CONMEBOL and FIFA to investigate the accounts that made the racist comments. "We will continue to use our reach to promote unity and respect," CONCACAF wrote in the statement. Concacaf statement in support of Moïse Bombito and Canada Soccer — Concacaf Media (@ConcacafMedia) The , where Bombito has played for two seasons, also expressed its support for the defender, condemning the racist language.
"We're extending our love .