MLS to probe alleged racial slur in Miami-D.C.
MLS said it will investigate the alleged use of racial slurs in Sunday’s match between Inter Miami and D.C. United, after allegations that DCU forward Taxi Fountas hurled an insult at Inter Miami defender Damian Lowe. directed at the N-word.
“MLS has zero tolerance for abuse and offensive language and we take these allegations very seriously,” an MLS spokesperson said in a statement to ESPN. “An investigation into this matter will be initiated immediately. Further information will be provided once the investigation is complete.”
A D.C. United spokesperson also released a statement, which read: “D.C. United is aware of allegations of player involvement during a match against Inter Miami CF. The club is investigating the incident with Major League Soccer.” Will work closely with Soccer and Inter Miami.”
The alleged incident took place around the 59th minute 3-2 Miami Victory. This started a feud between Fountas and Lowe. Miami defender Amy Mabika reacted angrily to Fountas. Referee Ismail Alfath cautioned both Fuontas and Lowe over the incident, but then spoke to the captains of both teams as well as the respective managers, Inter Miami’s Phil Neville and D.C. United’s Wayne Rooney.
In response to a postgame question from a pool reporter, Alphath said that neither he nor any other staff member had heard a racial slur being used. After several minutes of delay, play continued but Fountas was sent off in the 66th minute.
“There was a complaint, which I’m sure will be investigated. I can’t say much,” Rooney said.
It was left to Neville to reveal the nature of the conflict.
“We need to address an issue that may have been swept under the carpet in the past, but we are a club that prides itself on our diversity and the inclusion of our staff and supporters, and racism in football. No place. Field or society,” Newell said during his postgame news conference. “A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world.”
Miami guard DeAndre Yedlin later said in a postgame video conference that the players informed Neville that they would not continue until something was done about Fountas. Rooney decided to sub out Fountas early on.
“We came out with the win, but at the end of the day, it didn’t even feel like a win because of this incredibly dark moment, so now we’ll see what MLS does about it,” Yedlin said. said “My eyes will be very high on that. It’s up to them to take action and make a stand and show that not only does it have no place in the game, it has no place in society.”