Mark McKenzie Received Racist Social Media Messages After USMNT's Win over Mexico
USMNT defender Mark McKenzie said he received racist social media messages following Sunday night's 3-2 win over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League final.
"The amount of racial abuse and personal attacks on myself and family from 'supporters' and 'non supporters' just ain't it," McKenzie wrote on Instagram Stories Monday (h/t the Associated Press).
McKenzie's turnover in the defensive third in the first minute of the game allowed Mexico to take a 1-0 lead on Jesus Corona's goal. He was also called for a controversial handball in the box in the 119th minute. It appeared he had his arms by his side in a natural position.
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Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath saved the ensuing penalty, preserving the USMNT's 3-2 lead.
The game also had to be paused after fans used anti-gay slurs. Mexico's semifinal win over Costa Rica was delayed because of the use of similar chants. FIFA had opened an investigation into El Tri supporters earlier this year for the continued use of anti-gay chants.
"This has been something that we have struggled with for the last years, and not only in the U.S. but almost everywhere where our national team plays," Mexican Football Federation President Yon de Luisa said two weeks ago, per Jeff Carlisle of ESPN. "We saw it a little bit [at the 2018 World Cup] in Russia and other places where we have played. This is a challenge for us. This has become one of our important challenges for our federation."
Racism and homophobia continue to be a major issue in soccer around the globe. On Sunday, English national team members were booed by the country's supporters after they took a knee in protest of racism.
"The most important thing for our players is to know that we are totally united on it. We're totally committed to supporting each other, supporting the team," England manager Gareth Southgate said.
"We feel more than ever determined to take the knee through [the Euros].
"We accept that there might be an adverse reaction and we are just going to ignore that and move forward."
