Tyler Adams slams “toxic” social media after USMNT players suffer racist abuse

Midfielder Tyler Adams has responded to racist abuse aimed at his USMNT teammates in the aftermath of Thursday’s loss to Panama. Forward Tim Weah and other players have been subject to racist comments on social media in recent days.

Adams was asked about the issue during a press conference ahead of the team’s final group stage game against Uruguay on Monday. He cut an exasperated figure as he answered, reflecting on the countless recent examples of players suffering racist abuse online and even in stadiums.

“I don’t even know where to begin. I mean it’s normal at this point, it’s normal. I don’t think anyone can play - a bad game or a good game - and not have something on social media,” Adams explained. “For me personally, I don’t have any social media. Not for that specific reason but just because it’s toxic everywhere, no matter where you look.”

USMNT condemns racist abuse against players

The USMNT’s loss to Panama leaves them needing a result against Uruguay to progress to the quarter-finals of Copa América. A red card to Weah was a turning point in Thursday’s defeat and he has been subject to online abuse in the following days. So too was goal scorer Folarin Balogun, who shared images of the comments on his social media accounts.

In response, US Soccer has released a statement confirming that the attacks had taken place and condemning the perpetrators. It reads:

“U.S. Soccer is aware of and deeply disturbed by the racist comments made online and directed at several of our men’s national team players following tonight’s match.

“There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior. These actions are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the values of respect and inclusivity that we uphold as an organization.”