Brazil forward Rodrygo has been the target of racist abuse on social media following the World Cup qualifying game against Argentina. “The racists are always out there," Rodrygo, who is Black, said in a message posted Thursday. "My social networks have been invaded with insults and all kinds of absurdity. It's all there for everyone to see.” UEFA EURO 2024: Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane & Kylian Mbappe To Get Advantage In Race for Ballon d'Or 2024 Due To Erling Haaland's Absence.

The player said many of the racist messages included photos and emoticons of monkeys or bananas.

“If we don't do what they want, if we don't behave like they think we should, if we wear something that bothers them, if we don't lower our heads when we are attacked, if we occupy spaces that they think belong to them, the racists will come into action with their criminal behavior. Too bad for them. We will not stop,” Rodrygo said. AC Milan Attempted to Sign Lionel Messi, Reveals Rossoneri Legend Paolo Maldini.

Rodrygo attracted attention during Tuesday's match after a spat with Argentina players Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul during the delay caused by fights between fans, police and security guards in the stands of the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Argentina won the match 1-0. Rodrygo's Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior was the target of racist insults in Spain last season, prompting an outpouring of support for the player.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)