Senegalese football star, Krépin Diatta has strongly reacted to racial comments being directed to him by social media users over his facial look.

Diatta, who is currently representing his country at the ongoing 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt, says it is sad to see people from his own continent trooping to the online space to insult him because of his physical appearance.

The 20-year-old midfielder who plays for Club Brugge KV, became a notable figure after scoring a screamer, his first goal for Senegal against Tanzania during their opening match last Sunday.

While many fans praised Diatta for his goal, some decided to mock his physical appearance.

One troll even went as far as sharing a photo of Krepin with his beautiful white girlfriend and called them “beauty with a beast”

Diatta in a short statement to react to the insults said, Africans should learn to show encouragement.

"This is too bad of you and racism comes from there, I need your encouragement, not insults, Thank you to everyone who supports me", said Diatta.

Below is the full statement:

“I am very sad to see my African brothers making fun of me,

I work for our beautiful and dear Africa continent and what I receive in return are only insults, mockery from my brothers

This is too bad of you and racism comes from there, I need your encouragement, not insults, Thank you to everyone who supports me.

It is only God who gives me strength and I am proud of my physical appearance your mockery won’t change anything in my life.

But one thing for sure, we are all AFRICANS.

KREPIN DIATTA”.