Jesse Marsch, coach of the Canadian national team, described the treatment he received at the Copa America as poor.

Canada plays against Uruguay early Sunday in the third place playoff match of the Copa America.

Marsch told reporters in North Carolina last night before the third place match: "Our players were headbutted, and they faced racist insults live on air and through social media. We were treated like second-class citizens."

Marsch said about his players, "They never criticized the referees' decisions, nor did they roll on the ground like children hoping for yellow cards from the referees."

He added, "We will face another tough match against a really strong opponent, and we know there will be many things against us."

Canada, participating for the first time in the continental tournament, received 14 yellow cards, including one shown to Marsch himself during the 2-0 loss to Argentina in the semifinals last Tuesday.

Marsch expressed his opinion on the incident involving Uruguayan players clashing with Colombian fans after the match between the two teams, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Colombia in the semifinals.

Marsch said, "We definitely don’t want any players' families to be harmed. But I know that if our team responds in that way, it will face severe penalties."

Argentina plays against Colombia early Monday in the Copa America 2024 final.