Barcelona's Champions League Upset
Barcelona's quarter-final exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) prompted vile online attacks towards Joao Cancelo. Despite securing a narrow lead going into the second leg, Barcelona succumbed to a 4-1 defeat, leading to a 6-4 aggregate loss.
Cancelo's Role and Potential Move
Currently on loan from Manchester City, Joao Cancelo has been a prominent figure in Barcelona's lineup, with the possibility of a permanent move looming in the summer. With 35 appearances this season, including nine starts in the Champions League under manager Xavi, Cancelo has been integral to the team's efforts.
Frustration Amidst Managerial Transition
Barcelona's season has been marked by frustration, particularly under the outgoing manager, compounded by a significant gap to league leaders Real Madrid. However, the disappointment on the pitch has been exacerbated by the reprehensible abuse directed at players, as highlighted by Cancelo.
Condemnation of Online Abuse
In an interview with ESPN, Cancelo expressed his dismay at the level of online abuse he has received, including shocking messages targeting his unborn daughter. He revealed the severity of the comments, emphasizing that such cruelty extends beyond himself to his partner and their unborn child.
"People say all sorts," Cancelo told ESPN. "There are comments on Instagram wishing death upon my daughter who's not even been born yet. They would not say it to my face, because we would have a problem, but in the comments they write what they want."
"They're offensive to my partner, my daughter, our unborn baby," Cancelo continued. "It's a cruel world and you have to know how to live with it. I know how to, but I just don't know what to say anymore."
"Wishing death upon a baby is really serious," Cancelo emphasized. "People don't think about the person behind the footballer they see on the television. We are humans, too. We are just the same."
Humanizing Footballers
Cancelo's candid remarks shed light on the dehumanizing aspect of online abuse towards footballers. He emphasizes the need to recognize the individuals behind the public personas seen on television, urging for greater empathy and respect in online interactions.
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