Paris Saint-Germain have condemned the racist abuse directed at defender Nuno Mendes on social media following their win over Brest.
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PSG beat Brest 3-1 in Ligue 1Mendes receives racist message after winPSG condemn abuse defender receivedWHAT HAPPENED?
The Portugal defender was the target of abusive and racist comments following PSG's 3-1 win over Brest in Ligue 1 on Saturday. The left-back, who conceded a penalty in the victory, shared on his Instagram account a racist message he received – prompting the French giants to hit out at the perpetrators and pledge their support to the 22-year-old.
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PSG's official statement reads: "Paris Saint-Germain offers its full support to its player Nuno Mendes, who was targeted with offensive and racist comments on social media following yesterday's match against Stade Brestois.
"Paris Saint-Germain doesn’t tolerate racism, antisemitism or any other form of discrimination. The racial insults directed at Nuno Mendes are totally unacceptable. 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.
"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."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This is not the first time a PSG player has been targeted with racism on social media. Team-mate Ousmane Dembele was on the receiving end of such abuse following their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona back in April; and the year prior, two Juventus fans were convicted of racist gestures at the Parc des Princes.
AFPWHAT NEXT?
After this nasty incident, Mendes could return to PSG action when they host La Liga side Girona in their Champions League group stage opener on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Reims on Saturday in Ligue 1.