Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 7y

FMF launches investigation into taunts directed at Juarez's Gilberto Barbosa

The Mexican football federation (FMF) is investigating a report of racist taunts towards FC Juarez player Gilberto Barbosa in an Ascenso MX game against Alebrijes de Oaxaca last Friday.

Brazilian Barbosa was an unused substitute in the match, but was allegedly the subject of "monkey" chants as he warmed up on the touchline, bringing the player to tears.

"His pain was so great that he stopped warming up and went back to the bench crying," FC Juarez coach Miguel de Jesus Fuentes said afterwards.

Barbosa's teammate Raul Enriquez took to social networks to denounce what had happened and express solidarity with the 27-year-old, writing that it was the "worst experience" in his career.

Alebrijes de Oaxaca released a statement on Monday to say the institution is committed to respecting the rights of all human beings and that it would work with the FMF to investigate the incident.

The FMF's Disciplinary Commission didn't expand on the details, simply releasing a statement Monday saying that an investigation to investigate the "alleged racist incidents" was underway.

The latest investigation follows quickly in the wake of the Liga MX referees' strike, which was resolved on Monday.

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