Canadian soccer player accuses Tico fans of racial slurs

Montreal Impact forward Dominic Oduro accused fans of Costa Rica’s Liga Deportiva Alajuelense of engaging in racist behavior during Tuesday night’s CONCACAF Champions League semifinal in Costa Rica.

Oduro, a Ghanaian national, alleged after the match that fans made “monkey noises” at him during the game. He said Alajuelense fans “should be ashamed of their actions.”

He also tweeted about the incident:

A few minutes later he added: “Say no to racism on the field.”

Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush backed Oduro’s claims. He also said he was hit in the back of the head with a coin and that Alajuelense fans hurled all kinds of objects including a pair of shoes.

Racism in professional soccer has become a major issue in recent years, provoking sanctions, walk-offs and brawls. Players targeted by racist remarks have become increasingly vocal, often taking to social media to call out their agressors — players and fans.

Impact lost 4-2 in Costa Rica, but still advanced to its first ever Champions League final because the team scored more away goals after a 4-4 aggregate draw.

Impact becomes the first Canadian team to reach the final of CONCACAF’s top clubs tournament and the second Major League Soccer team. It will face Mexico’s Club América in a two-game final later this month.

Watch highlights of the Alajuelense-Impact match: