Rodrigo said he received racist insults on social media after Brazil’s 1-0 loss to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday.
The match at the Maracana Stadium started about 30 minutes late after clashes between Brazilian police and Argentine fans in the stands.
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Nicolas Otamendi’s 63rd-minute goal for world champions Argentina was enough to inflict Brazil’s first ever home loss in a World Cup qualifier, leaving them sixth in the CONMEBOL standings with just seven points from six matches.
While the two teams were waiting on the field for the match to start, television footage showed Brazilian striker Rodrigo having a heated discussion with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and midfielder Rodrigo de Paul.
In a post on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) on Thursday, Rodrygo said he was targeted by racists on social media after the match.
“Racists are always at your service” He said. “My social networks have been invaded with insults and all kinds of nonsense. It’s there for everyone to see!”
“If we don’t do what they want, if we don’t behave as they think we should, if we wear something that upsets them, if we don’t keep our heads down when they’re attacked, if we occupy the spaces they attack” I think they alone, the racists are taking action on his criminal behavior. Their luck is bad. We won’t stop!”
Rodrigo’s teammate in Brazil and Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior, offered his support shortly afterwards, twitter“We won’t stop!”
Vinicius was repeatedly targeted with racist abuse by opposition fans while playing for Real Madrid in La Liga. A criminal case against three Valencia fans who allegedly racially abused him during Real Madrid’s match at the Mestalla in May is ongoing.
Ahead of the match against Argentina, Vinicius launched an anti-racism campaign in Brazil this week, with posters with messages appearing on billboards in cities across the country.
