FIFA World Cup 2018: Brazil's Fernandinho racially targetted after own goal

Fernandinho

Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho and family members have been victims of racist insults on social media since his World Cup own goal on Friday, when Brazil was eliminated by Belgium in the quarter-finals in Russia. Several internet users referred to the Manchester City player as a "monkey," while some even threatened to kill him after Brazil's 2-1 loss.

The player's wife, Rosa Glaucia, also found her Instagram account full of insults. "Your husband's (screw up) ruined everything," was one of the comment. Fernandinho's mother had to close her Instagram account due to the heap of offensive comments on her profile.

Shocked by the racist messages, dozens of internet users rushed to Fernandinho's defense on social networks. On the Mundo Negro site, which specializes in black culture, a message illustrated by a photo of Fernandinho underscored that "the defeat of Brazil and the own goal do not justify racism. Nothing justifies racism. We are with you Fernandinho."

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