PSG Says Defender Nuno Mendes Target of Racial Abuse

Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese defender #25 Nuno Mendes runs with the ball during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris, on September 14, 2024. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese defender #25 Nuno Mendes runs with the ball during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris, on September 14, 2024. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
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PSG Says Defender Nuno Mendes Target of Racial Abuse

Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese defender #25 Nuno Mendes runs with the ball during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris, on September 14, 2024. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)
Paris Saint-Germain's Portuguese defender #25 Nuno Mendes runs with the ball during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Stade Brestois 29 (Brest) at The Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris, on September 14, 2024. (Photo by GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP)

Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes was the target of abusive and racist comments on social media after a French league game.
The club condemned the abuse and expressed its "full support” Sunday for the Portugal left back, who was targeted following PSG's 3-1 win against Brest on Saturday.
Mendes, who is Black, shared on his Instagram account a racist message he received.
During the match, Mendes brought down Ludovic Ajorque in the box for a penalty that Romain Del Castillo converted to give Brest the lead.
“Paris Saint-Germain doesn't tolerate racism, antisemitism or any other form of discrimination,” the club said. “The racial insults directed at Nuno Mendes are totally unacceptable ... we are working with the relevant authorities and associations to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”



Ronaldo Misses Al-Nassr’s Debut in Asia’s New Elite Tournament with Virus

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)
Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)
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Ronaldo Misses Al-Nassr’s Debut in Asia’s New Elite Tournament with Virus

Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)
Al-Nassr's Portuguese forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo looks on during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr at at al-Awwal Stadium in Riyadh on September 13, 2024. (AFP)

Cristiano Ronaldo has a virus and did not travel to Iraq with Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr for Monday’s AFC Champions League Elite debut match at Al-Shorta.

Al-Nassr said that the Portugal forward “wasn’t feeling well” and “was diagnosed with a viral infection," adding that the team physician confirmed he needs to rest.

Playing for Portugal in the Nations League, Ronaldo recently scored against both Croatia and Scotland to take his men’s-record tally of international goals to 132.

Ronaldo won five UEFA Champions Leagues but has yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr.

It’s the first edition of the Elite version, which replaced the AFC Champions League as Asia’s top club tournament.

Ronaldo’s debut in the Elite tournament could now come against Qatari club Al-Rayyan on Sept. 20 in Riyadh.