By Martin Graham | twenty eighth Jun 2024
The United States Soccer Federation has strongly criticized the racist on-line abuse directed at a number of gamers after a 2-1 loss to Panama within the Copa America. Monaco ahead Folarin Balogun, Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, and Juventus teammates Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie have been all focused on-line after the Group C match held in Atlanta.
In an announcement on X, US Soccer expressed that such hateful and discriminatory habits is insupportable and goes towards the group’s values of respect and inclusivity. The federation emphasised that racism has no place within the sport.
Match occasions and participant reactions
The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium noticed a major turning level when Timothy Weah was given a crimson card within the 18th minute for placing Panama’s Roderick Miller in an off-the-ball incident. The 24-year-old winger, previously of Lille, later apologized to his group, citing a second of frustration because the trigger for his actions.
Regardless of being down a participant, the US managed to take the lead with a formidable purpose from Balogun, marking his fifth purpose in 14 appearances for the nationwide group. Nonetheless, the lead was short-lived as Panama’s Cesar Blackman equalized simply 4 minutes later with a shot from the sting of the field.
Ranked forty third by FIFA, Panama continued to use strain, and their efforts paid off when Jose Fajardo scored the successful purpose seven minutes earlier than the top. The US, ranked eleventh, confirmed sturdy defensive efforts however couldn’t face up to Panama’s persistent assaults.
Late within the recreation, Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla was additionally despatched off for a reckless problem on Christian Pulisic, lowering each groups to 10 gamers.
Group C standings and upcoming fixtures
Following this outcome, each the US and Panama are tied on factors in Group C. The US, co-hosts of the 2026 males’s World Cup together with Canada and Mexico, at the moment has a superior purpose distinction and must match Panama’s outcome of their ultimate group match to advance to the final 16. The US will face Uruguay on July 2nd at 02:00 BST, whereas Panama will play towards Bolivia.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
