DOHA: Japan’s football association on Wednesday condemned the “shameful behavior” of fans who racially abused Zion Suzuki online following the goalkeeper’s performances at the Asian Cup.
Pre-tournament favorites Japan were beaten 2-1 by Iraq in the group phase on Friday in Doha with Suzuki responsible for one of the goals.
The US-born 21-year-old, whose father is Ghanaian-American and whose mother is Japanese, said he was subsequently racially abused on social media.
There were also two high-profile instances of racist abuse directed at players in Italy and England during matches at the weekend.
“We have a zero-tolerance stance and our aim is to stamp it out,” Japanese Football Association president Kozo Tashima said in a statement.
He added: “We are aiming to win the Asian Cup currently being held in Qatar and the players, manager, staff and JFA are all united.”
“(But) posting cruel racist and other abuse online is an invasion of human rights and privacy,” he said.
“It goes against the values of a society that respects diversity and is shameful behavior.”
Japan FA condemns ‘shameful’ racist abuse of goalkeeper
https://arab.news/99kht
Japan FA condemns ‘shameful’ racist abuse of goalkeeper
- The US-born 21-year-old said he was subsequently racially abused on social media
- “We have a zero-tolerance stance and our aim is to stamp it out,” Japanese Football Association president Kozo Tashima said
Karim Benzema joins Al-Hilal
RIYADH: Karim Benzema has joined Al-Hilal after leaving Al-Ittihad, the Riyadh club announced early Tuesday.
The former French international was introduced with a post on social media, “Karim Benzema is officially Hilali.”
The 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, who scored eight goals in 14 league matches this season, joined on a free transfer, his new club added.
Though this chapter comes to an end “respect and gratitude will always remain,” the Frenchman said.
“Thank you to the club, the staff, my teammates, and especially the fans for the welcome, the love, and the energy you gave me every day,” Benzema wrote on social media.
“This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared.”
Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in 2023 after 14 seasons with Real Madrid. Last season he scored 21 goals as Al-Ittihad won the league.
This season Al-Ittihad trail leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points.
— with input from Reuters
