• Player targeted after conceding late free-kick against Germany • ‘They’ve threatened my children. Who the hell does that?’

The Sweden midfielder Jimmy Durmaz has delivered a powerful message against racism after being targeted on social media for giving away the free-kick that led to Germany’s 95th-minute winner in Sochi on Saturday.

Durmaz, who came on in the 74th minute, fouled Timo Werner on the edge of the area and Toni Kroos scored from the set piece to give Germany a 2-1 victory.

Toni Kroos brings off late miracle for Germany to stun Sweden Read more

On Sunday, as the Sweden squad gathered for training, the coach Janne Andersson turned to the media to say that they would start the session by addressing the “completely unacceptable” post-match developments. He explained that the whole squad had lined up behind Durmaz to underline that everyone was backing the player.

Durmaz, who was born in Sweden to Assyrian parents, then read a statement which said: “I would just like to say a few things regarding what happened after the game yesterday. I am a footballer at the highest level so I have to accept that I am criticised for what I do on the pitch. That’s part of the job – and I am always willing to accept that. But there are limits and that limit was passed yesterday.

“When someone threatens me, when they call me darkie, bloody Arab, terrorist, Taliban … then that limit has been passed. And what is even worse, when they go after my family and my children and threaten them … who the hell does that kind of thing?”

Durmaz, who plays for Toulouse, added: “I am Swedish and I am proud to represent the Swedish national team – it is the biggest thing you can do as a footballer. I will never let any racists destroy my pride. We all have to make a stand against racism.

“At the same time I want to thank everyone who has been supportive and showed their love; it means an awful lot. Please, continue to support Sweden. We need you!”

The statement finished with everyone in the squad and staff joining Durmaz in saying “Fuck racism”, the phrase used by the player on social media earlier in the day.

The Swedish Football Association’s general secretary, Håkan Sjöstrand, said the governing body had reported the abuse to police on behalf of the player.

“A number of complaints have been made with the Swedish FA as the plaintiff so that Jimmy can concentrate on what he is here to do — play football,” Sjöstrand said in a statement. “But Durmaz is fully behind the complaints.

“We do not tolerate a player being subjected to threats or abuse. It’s uncomfortable and very upsetting to see the treatment that Jimmy Durmaz has had to put up with. Completely unacceptable.”