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Marrakech – Moroccan star defender Achraf Hakimi, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, has been the target of a wave of racist and Islamophobic comments on social media following Morocco’s 1-2 defeat to Spain in the Olympic football tournament semi-final on Monday.
After the final whistle, Hakimi posted a message on social media expressing his disappointment but also his determination to win the bronze medal.
“Disappointed with yesterday’s result. We will give everything to win the bronze medal. Thank you for your support. Dima Maghrib,” he wrote.
Unfortunately, many internet users took advantage of this post to spew a flood of racist and Islamophobic insults at the captain of the Atlas Lions Olympic team. Emoji of monkeys and pigs as well as degrading photos and videos were posted in the comments.
This incident follows tensions that arose during the match between Hakimi and his club teammate, Spanish goalkeeper Arnau Tenas. After the match, several Spanish players openly mocked the Moroccan’s usual celebration, the “penguin dance.”
Atletico Madrid striker Samuel Omorodion, who taunted Hakimi with penguin emojis on social media, was also the victim of a torrent of racist hate in return according to Spanish media.
This is unfortunately not the first time that Achraf Hakimi has faced racism during these Olympic Games. He was already targeted by insults from Argentine supporters following Morocco’s 2-1 victory over Argentina in the group stage.
Morocco will attempt to win the bronze medal on Thursday against Egypt. Spain will face France in the final on Friday at the Parc des Princes. After the tournament, Hakimi will reunite with Tenas under the PSG jersey in what is hoped to be a calmer atmosphere between the two players.
