The Canadian men’s national team and CONCACAF have spoken out against racist comments on social media targeted at one of their players, which began after Canada’s 2-0 loss to Argentina in the group stage of the Copa America on Thursday.
Canada said in a statement it was “deeply disturbed” by the comments and that the team was in contact with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL about next steps.
The statement did not directly name any player but is understood to be referring to Canadian defender Moise Bonvito.
Bonvito received racist comments on his Instagram page after tackling Argentina star Lionel Messi and kicking the 36-year-old forward in the ankle during Thursday’s match between Canada and Argentina, causing Messi to collapse in pain after the contact.
Bonvito did not respond directly to the comments, but did post a story to his Instagram. “My beautiful Canada,” the 24-year-old defender wrote in his story. “There is no room for that kind of nonsense.”
CONCACAF also released a statement on Friday saying it supported Bonvito and was working with CONMEBOL and FIFA in investigating the accounts that posted the racist comments. “We will continue to use our influence to promote unity and respect,” CONCACAF said in a statement.
The Colorado Rapids, where Bonvito played for two seasons, also voiced their support for the defender and condemned the racist comments. “We stand with and love Moise Bonvito,” the team wrote on Twitter.
We are spreading love and standing with Moïse Bombito.
Discrimination and racism have no place in our sport, on social media and in our society.#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/CnXqrjlyRV
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) June 21, 2024
A spokesperson for Mehta, which owns Instagram, told The Athletic that the company removed the racist comments from Bonvito’s page.
The incident is reminiscent of the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup, when members of the French national team received racist messages on social media after Argentina beat France in the World Cup final, and racist chants were directed at France captain Kylian Mbappe during victory celebrations.
As the group stage continues, Canada will face Peru on Tuesday, while Argentina will face Chile the same day.
