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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>USMNT players targeted</li><li>USA have won one and lost one</li><li>Face Uruguay in next game</li></ul>

USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams says racist abuse has become 'normal' in football after team-mates Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards are targeted amid Copa America struggles

CONCACAF Nations League

Jamaica

Panama

Costa Rica

The United States fell to a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/tim-weah-folarin-balogun-usmnt-panama-winners-losers-copa-america/blt080c669b00e77481" target="_blank">2-1 defeat to Panama</a> and, following the game, the players were targeted by racist abuse on social media. Balogun had opened the scoring with a scorching effort from the edge of the box but the side capitulated and lost the game in the 83rd minute. In response, the USMNT and Adams came out in support of Balogun and Richards.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking ahead of their final group game, Adams said: "I don't really know where to even begin on the topic. It's normal at this point - it's normal. I don't think anyone could play a bad game, let alone a good game, and not have something on social media afterwards. So for me personally, I don't even use social media - not for that specific reason, but just for the fact that it's just toxic everywhere, no matter where you look."It's disappointing when players on our team obviously have faced that, Canadian players, whoever it is. it's just so unnecessary and unneeded in the space of football because football brings so many positive moments for everybody."Everybody loves the game for so many different reasons. And the fact that we´ve allowed this to creep into to the game, it's just horrible."

WHAT ADAMS SAID

After the game, the USMNT released a statement. <a href="https://x.com/USMNT/status/1806508381953298719" target="_blank">They said</a>: “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.“U.S. Soccer stands firmly against racism in all forms and will continue to support our players.”

WHAT THE USMNT SAID

As Adams said, the racist abuse of footballers on social media is a pervasive and growing problem. Earlier this year, Real Madrid and Brazil star <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-real-madrid-vinicius-jr-breaks-down-tears-racial-abuse-brazil-spain/blt92eae6de663576e9" target="_blank">Vinicius Junior broke down in tears</a> talking about the racist abuse he has faced. In England, Ivan Toney's abuser has been <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/racist-abuser-brentford-star-ivan-toney-banned-every-stadium-uk-landmark-ruling/blt3c3eb6a78188f459" target="_blank">banned from every stadium in the UK </a>following a series of racist messages sent to the England and Brentford striker.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The USMNT have a chance to bounce back from their defeat to Panama when they face group leaders Uruguay. The side led by Marcelo Bielsa have been impressive under the former-Leeds boss' stewardship and will be tough test for the States.

WHAT NEXT FOR USMNT?

USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams says racist abuse has become 'normal' in football after team-mates Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards are targeted amid Copa America struggles | Goal.com

Tyler Adams has spoken out against racist abuse directed at his team-mates Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards.

USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams says racist abuse has become &apos;normal&apos; in football after team-mates Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards are targeted amid Copa America struggles