Brazil's Fernandinho targeted with racial slurs, death threats
MOSCOW — Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho received a strong message of support from his national soccer federation on Monday after being attacked in a series of racist messages.
Fernandinho was targeted by irate fans after his unfortunate own goal put Brazil on course for its quarterfinal defeat against Belgium on Friday, knocking the five-time champion out of the tournament.
The midfielder was branded a “monkey” and received death threats, while members of his family were also left fearing for their safety.
“(We) repudiate the racist attacks suffered by the player @fernandinho and (his relatives),” a statement tweeted by the CBF, Brazilian soccer’s governing body, read. “Football represents the union of colors, genres, cultures and peoples. We are with you. Racists will not pass.”
Just 13 minutes into the quarterfinal, Fernandinho rose for a defensive header but mistimed his action and the ball squirted off his shoulder past his own goalkeeper. The game eventually finished 2-1.
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