Japan FA condemns 'shameful' racist abuse of goalkeeper

DOHA, Jan 24 (AFP): Japan's football association on Wednesday condemned the "shameful behaviour" of fans who racially abused Zion Suzuki online following the goalkeeper's performances at the Asian Cup.

Pre-tournament favou-rites Japan were beaten 2-1 by Iraq in the group phase on Friday in Doha with Suzuki responsible for one of the goals.

The US-born 21-year-old, whose father is Ghanaian-American and whose mother is Japanese, said he was subsequently racially abused on social media.

There were also two high-profile instances of racist abuse directed at players in Italy and England during matches at the weekend.

"We have a zero-tolerance stance and our aim is to stamp it out," Japanese Football Association president Kozo Tashima said in a statement.