DR Congo Captain Chancellor Mbemba was subjected to a torrent of racist abuse on social media after leading his team to a 1-1 draw against Morocco in the African Cup of Nations on Sunday.
Mbemba's Instagram account was the target of many users who responded to his latest posts with monkey or gorilla emojis, or wrote racist comments.
Mbemba, 29, black, plays for top-tier French club Marseille.
Mbemba had a heated exchange with Moroccan coach Walid Regragui after the match. This led to a melee between players and officials from both teams that continued as they left the field and proceeded through the players' tunnel.
Regragui looked for Mbemba after the game when the player was on his knees giving thanks in a personal moment. Mbemba took Regragui's hand and patted him on the back, as he seemed to think this was a friendly exchange. But Regragui kept Mbemba's hand and continued talking, while the player angrily pushed his hand away and gestured to the video referee before players on both sides jumped.
Mbemba suggested to journalists after the game in San Pedro that Regragui had insulted him.
"I'm keeping silent, it's better. Everyone knows me, I respect everyone. But I never thought I would hear that word from the coach, that it would come out of his mouth," Mbemba said.
There was no immediate reaction from Regragui.
