Racist insults at the Copa América | “It’s ridiculous, it’s disgusting,” denounces Jesse Marsch

Even though it’s time for celebrations, hatred is tarnishing Canada’s joy as they make their first Copa América quarterfinals. Since the start of the competition, Canadian players have been subjected to racist insults on social media. A situation that has coach Jesse Marsch on edge.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s disgusting,” he said during a virtual press conference on Sunday. “Social networks are a cesspool.”

The flood of insults began after Canada’s first match against Argentina. Quebecer Moïse Bombito was then the target of a torrent of hatred in reaction to his tackle on superstar Lionel Messi. N-word, photos of monkeys: some Internet users have crossed the limits.

“Canada Soccer is aware and deeply troubled by the racist comments made online and directed towards one of the players,” the organization then expressed via press release. Then, the insults came back with a vengeance. On Saturday, it was the turn of Cyle Larin and Richie Laryea to be victims.

“Unfortunately, it makes players doubt themselves,” Jesse Marsch admitted. “I don’t know what it would be like to go through that.”

“I’m proud to be their coach,” he added. When it comes to how to behave, they are players with sensational character.”

Room for improvement

Let’s get back to the football. Even after a historic triumph, Canada will have a lot to eat if it hopes to once again stretch its competition beyond its quarter-final on Friday evening. Only one goal has been scored in three matches.

Despite this, Marsch sees the glass half full: his team has only conceded two during this sequence.

“If you’ve followed my career, when my teams play the style I advocate, the goals come more easily and often, whereas normally you have to fight to limit the opponent’s goals. So it’s good that we can keep things stable.”

One of the major factors in this stability is Maxime Crépeau.

“He didn’t just make big saves, he was very good on the line, and tactically,” Marsch said. The Quebec goalie may not have had to “make big saves last night,” but “everything looked easy for him.” His reaching out to grab the ball high in one of the final sequences of the game may have protected the draw for Canada.

“It gives the group confidence to move forward, to be more aggressive,” analyzed the coach.

Canada’s next match is July 5. Their opponent will be the team that finishes at the top of Group B. We will know their identity on Sunday evening, at the end of the duels between Venezuela and Jamaica as well as Mexico and Ecuador.