Paris Saint-Germain has issued a strong condemnation against the racist and abusive messages directed at defender Nuno Mendes. The 22-year-old Portuguese international was targeted on social media following his side’s 3-1 victory over Brest in Ligue 1.
The incident occurred after Mendes was involved in a foul that led to a penalty for Brest. Despite the setback, PSG managed to stage a comeback, with goals from Ousmane Dembele and Fabian Ruiz securing the three points. However, the victory was marred by the vile online abuse directed at Mendes.
The defender shared a screenshot of a racist message he received on social media, prompting PSG to take immediate action. The club announced that they are working closely with the relevant authorities to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the hateful comments.
Paris Saint-Germain offers its full support to its player Nuno Mendes, who was targeted with offensive and racist comments on social media following yesterday's match against Stade Brestois.
Paris Saint-Germain doesn’t tolerate racism, antisemitism or any other form of… pic.twitter.com/YqSUtMaMpl
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 15, 2024
In a statement released on Sunday, PSG unequivocally condemned racism, anti-Semitism, and all forms of discrimination. The club expressed its solidarity with Mendes and all individuals affected by such abhorrent behavior.
“Paris Saint-Germain does not tolerate racism, anti-Semitism or any other form of discrimination,” the club stated. “The racial insults directed at Nuno Mendes are totally unacceptable. We stand firmly by Nuno and all those affected and we are working with the relevant authorities and associations to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against racism in football. Despite concerted efforts to promote inclusivity and equality, instances of discrimination continue to plague the sport. PSG’s swift and decisive response sends a powerful message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
