Japanese goalie receives racist abuse on the internet following Asian Cup mistakes

Zion Suzuki, the goalkeeper for Japan, claimed on Monday that he had received racist taunts on social media in the wake of his team’s shocking Asian Cup loss to Iraq.

It follows two incidents of racist taunts during games in Italy and England directed at players.

Suzuki, whose mother is Japanese and whose father is Ghanaian-American, was responsible for Iraq’s first goal in Doha. Prior to this, Suzuki had also made mistakes in their match against Vietnam.

The 21-year-old stated that while he understood that his performances had drawn criticism, he “would like people to stop making racist comments.”

“I won’t allow it defeat me,” he declared to media prior to Japan’s last group match against Indonesia.

“I want to get even with them by achieving success.”

On Monday, it seemed as though Suzuki’s Instagram account had disabled comments.

Following the incidents in Italy and England over the weekend, FIFA President Gianni Infantino called for global stadium bans for fans and “automatic forfeits” for teams whose supporters hurl racist abuse.

During AC Milan’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Udinese, supporters hurled monkey chants at France goalie Mike Maignan, causing the game to be temporarily stopped.

Midfielder Kasey Palmer of Coventry, whose team won 2-1 on Saturday, accused Sheffield Wednesday supporters of treating him similarly during their Championship match.

Suzuki, who was earning just his sixth cap against Iraq, expressed confidence in his abilities as Japan got ready to play Indonesia on Wednesday, still needing to qualify for the round of 16.

When I give up goals and we lose, I understand that as the goalie for the Japan national team, I have higher expectations.

“I understand, and there won’t be any issues if I can utilize that in the upcoming game.”