Yesterday, Paris Saint-Germain released a club statement in support of their player Nuno Mendes (22) after the Portuguese international was the target of racial abuse. The fullback was subjected to offensive and racist insults on social media on Saturday evening after he conceded a penalty in the first half of PSG’s 3-1 victory over Stade Brestois.
Mendes was penalised in the 29th minute after he pulled on Ludovic Ajorque’s (30) shirt bringing the on-loan forward down in the penalty box. Romain Del Castillo (28) opened the scoring on the evening, however, PSG would mount a comeback collecting all three points and securing their place back on top of the league after temporarily dropping down behind Olympique de Marseille and AS Monaco.
Despite the victory, the weekend would be mired with a recurring problem across football. PSG made it clear that they stood in full support of Mendes, and condemned what had happened to the player.
“Paris Saint-Germain doesn’t tolerate racism, antisemitism or any other form of discrimination. The racial insults directed at Nuno Mendes are totally unacceptable,” the club stated. “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 statement continued, “At Paris Saint-Germain, we are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, respect, and unity both on and off the pitch. Racism has no place in football, and we will continue to uphold the values of tolerance and respect that define our club.”
