Multiple International Soccer Matches Abandoned in Protest of Racial Abuse

New Zealand and Ireland's under-21 teams walked off the pitch during separate friendly matches after players reported being subjected to racist comments by opponents from Kuwait and Qatar.
FIFA's president pledged to take action against discrimination and create a task force to combat racism in soccer.
The incidents are the latest in a series of racial and homophobic abuse in soccer, indicating an "urgent crisis," according to an anti-discrimination group.
A U.S.-Mexico match was also cut short after fans shouted homophobic chants, while a Brazilian player has faced racist abuse from fans in Spain this season.
The New Zealand and Ireland federations supported their players in abandoning the games, signalling a new willingness to take a stand against discrimination.