The setback suffered by Assane Diao, who limped off with a muscular injury, has put his Africa Cup of Nations participation for Senegal in serious doubt and led to a major controversy involving Como coach Cesc Fàbregas.
The former Spanish international is facing a torrent of abuse, including racist insults, on social media from individuals accusing him of responsibility for the injury.
The timing is critical, as Diao was forced off in tears during a recent club match. Fàbregas, who had previously voiced disagreement with the national team call-up, has been caught up in the intense emotions surrounding the AFCON.
This abusive reaction, occurring despite the accepted risk of injuries in football, has been widely condemned for its personal and discriminatory content.
