Moussa Marega’s teammates appear to try stopping him walking off pitch after suffering racist abuse against Guimaraes
The Mali striker was visibly upset after being targeted following his goal in the 2-1 win
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Your support makes all the difference.FC Porto striker Moussa Marega was seemingly held back by teammates and opponents as he attempted to leave the pitch after suffering racist abuse from fans.
The Mali international was visibly upset after being targeted by Guimaraes fans with monkey noises after scoring Porto's second goal in a 2-1 win at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in the Primeira Liga.
But as Marega took a stand against the abuse by walking off the field, several players from both sides argued and grabbed at the Porto forward. Porto coach Sergio Conceicao was also seen on the pitch attempting to speak with Marega.
But none could prevent Marega from walking off and after several minutes, Porto were forced into substituting him.
Marega then held his thumbs down at the crowd on his way down the tunnel towards the changing rooms, sparking loud jeers from the home support. The attitude of the other players, namely his teammates, has drawn fierce criticism on social media.
Marega received a yellow card following his goal in the 61st minute when he appeared to respond to the abuse by pointing at his skin and by picking up a seat that had been thrown on the pitch.
After the match Marega expressed his anger with a post including an expletive on a social media account, calling the fans who insulted him "idiots who come to the stadium to make racist screams."
"And I also thank the referees for not defending me and for giving me a yellow card because I defend my skin color," Marega wrote. "I hope I never meet you on a football field again! YOU ARE A SHAME !!!!"
His coach criticized the fans' behavior before, during and after the game.
"We are indignant with what has happened. Moussa was insulted from warmups (before kickoff)," Conceicao said after the match.
"We are a family. One's nationality, color, or height does not matter. We are human beings. We deserve respect and what happened was despicable."
Both clubs issued statements condemning the racist abuse, without commenting on the attitudes of the players toward Marega.
"All of FC Porto and its supporters are in solidarity with Moussa Marega, who was led to take a drastic attitude in the wake of repeated racist insults," Porto's statement said.
"FC Porto strongly condemns the racist behavior this afternoon, which is one of the low moments in the recent history of Portuguese football and will have to be properly penalized."
Guimaraes said it would investigate the incident.
"(The club) will not fail to censor any and all manifestations of violence, racism or intolerance," it said.
It added that the club " will verify what happened during the game played at Estadio D. Afonso Henriques, acting firmly and consequently, in full cooperation with the competent judicial entities."
Reuters contributed to this report
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