Monday, June 25, 2018, 12:45

World Cup 2018: Swedish team's anti-racism message in support of abused midfielder

Players and coaches say 'f*** racism" as Jimmy Durmaz stands up to bullies

Sweden's World Cup football team has stood by midfielder Jimmy Durmaz, who received death threats and racist abuse after he was blamed for Sweden's last-minute defeat to Germany. 

In a video that is going viral on social media, Durmaz reads out a message in which he stands up to online bullies who called him a "bloody darkie", "suicide bomber" and posted death threats against his family. 

"That is completely unacceptable," he says. "I am Swedish and I am proud to be wearing this shirt and this flag." 

As he thanks supporters and turns towards his teammates, Swedish players and coaches standing behind him shout out "F*** racism!"

29-year-old Durmaz was born in Sweden to Assyrian parents who had emigrated from Turkey.

Durmaz's social media pages were flooded with thousands of abusive messages within minutes of him conceding a last-minute foul on the edge of Sweden's penalty box against Germany. 

German midfielder Toni Kroos converted the last-gasp free-kick to clinch three points for the reigning world champions.  

Sweden can qualify to the second round with a win over Mexico and a Germany loss to South Korea. If both Sweden and Germany win, the Swedes can still advance on goal difference.