Fans accuse commentator of racism for repeatedly calling Filipinas as USA in Asian Games

Filipinas supporters are accusing Singaporean sportscaster Shehzad Haque of racism for calling the Philippine women's football team "USA" in the Asian Games broadcast of the match between the Philippines and South Korea, which the Pinays dropped 5-1.

X (formerly Twitter) user @luisjamiltan posted a thread of clips from the match as proof of the apparent racism.

Posting a thread of the Filipinas being called a US team by the Singaporean commentator @shezhaque: pic.twitter.com/5jreeFmYZx

— Luis (@luisjamiltan) September 25, 2023

Fans call it a "blatant racism on air" which fuels hate against the Filipinas.

I'd like to raise an issue that the int'l commentator @shezhaque has been calling the Filipinas a "USA team". Blatant racism on air, fuelling hate against our players. This has to be condemned.@cedelfpt3 @VenNotBen @mluisamorales_ @PilipinasWNFT @PinayFutbol @philfootball

— Luis (@luisjamiltan) September 25, 2023

User @PointsTrident believes the commentator should be sanctioned by FIFA.

"This guy should be sanctioned by FIFA. If he has a grievance against the players, let him file it formally not low blow the team on air." 

This guy should be sanctioned by FIFA. If he has a grievance against the players, let him file it formally not low blow the team on air.

— Trident Points (@PointsTrident) September 26, 2023

@FIFAcom please investigate the racist commentary of @shezhaque.

He was calling the Filipinas "Team USA" during the South Korea and Philippines match at Hangzhou 19th Asian games.

— Ken Altar (@Papakeminem) September 25, 2023

@anneluv17 said Haque should be banned forever and requested the Philippine Football Federation to take action.

"The person should be banned for a lifetime. @shezhaque shame on you!!! You don't deserve an ounce of respect." 

The person should be banned for a lifetime@shezhaque shame on you!!! You don't deserve an ounce of respect

Please @PilipinasWNFT make an action about it https://t.co/eBctIfIW61

— ANNE (@anneluv17) September 25, 2023

One user pointed out that the Filipinas are Filipinos by blood.

"Disappointing comments from someone who should know better, a 'seasoned pro'. They are Filipino by blood and their choice to represent the Philippines is what truly matters. The comments were not only disrespectful but also fuel negativity and hatred. Shame." 

Disappointing comments from someone who should know better, a 'seasoned pro'. They are Filipino by blood and their choice to represent the Philippines is what truly matters. The comments were not only disrespectful but also fuel negativity & hatred. Shame. https://t.co/NF5dMOUtBp

— venice (@VenNotBen) September 25, 2023

At this point, the nationality and dedication of the Filipinas shouldn't be questioned. These players have sacrificed for the Philippines for years, and continue to do so.

(GM)