USMNT defender Mark McKenzie targeted with racist abuse online
The United States toppled rivals Mexico 3-2 on Sunday night to win the CONCACAF Nations League final that was marred by multiple instances of supporters using a homophobic chant and throwing objects onto the field, some of which struck players from both teams.
U.S. defender Mark McKenzie shared via his Instagram story that he has since been a target of racist abuse online. "The amount of racial abuse and personal attacks on myself and family from 'supporters' and 'non supporters' just ain’t it," McKenzie wrote in a post that included the racist language, according to The Associated Press.
The 22-year-old had a rough outing Sunday evening that included a costly giveaway which allowed Mexico's Jesus Corona to open the scoring 63 seconds into the match, and McKenzie being the key figure in a controversial handball decision in the final minute of extra time that presented "El Tri" with a penalty and an opportunity to tie the contest. However, backup goalkeeper Ethan Horvath produced what is, to date, his biggest moment on the international stage.
Footballers throughout Europe have documented similar messages they've received for years, and L.A. Galaxy defender Derrick Williams was sent what the club referred to as "hateful, threatening and racially abusive social media messages" late last month after he injured Andy Polo of the Portland Timbers on a red-card tackle.
Williams was ultimately suspended six total matches for that offense.
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