ATLANTA — (AP) — Tim Weah and other members of the U.S. national team were targeted with racist abuse on social media after the Americans were beaten 2-1 by Panama in the Copa America on Thursday night.
The U.S. Soccer Federation issued a statement saying it was “deeply disturbed with the racist comments made online.”
Weah, who is Black, was sent off with a red card in the 18th minute after punching a Panama player.
It was earliest red card for a U.S. player since Jimmy Conrad was tossed from a 2010 friendly against Honduras.
The short-handed Americans nearly held on for a tie, but Panama scored a late goal that put the U.S. hopes of advancing past the first round in serious jeopardy.
The USSF said several of its players were the targets of racist comments.
“There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior,” the statement said. “These actions are not only unacceptable but but also contrary to the values of respect and …