'Racists are always on duty' - Brazil's Rodrygo condemns online abuse

Brazil player Rodrygo has condemned being racially abused on social media after the team's loss against Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Rodrygo, 22, said on Instagram late Thursday that users had posted monkey and banana emojis under one of his posts.

"Racists are always on duty. My social networks have been invaded with offences and all kinds of nonsense. It's there for everyone to see!" the Real Madrid player said.

"If we don't do what they want, if we don't behave the way they think we should, if we wear something that bothers them, if we don't lower our heads when we're attacked, if we occupy spaces that they think are theirs alone, the racists take action with their criminal behaviour.

"Too bad for them. We won't stop!" he said.

The Brazilian federation CBF also condemned the "racist actions" and vowed to continue working on "banish the disease of racism from football."

Brazil lost a World Cup qualifier for the first time at home when thery were beaten 1-0 by Argentina on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro. The kick-off was delayed by half an hour because of clashes in the Maracana stands between police and Argentina fans.