WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) – Main League Soccer (MLS) is investigating an incident during which a racist slur was allegedly used in opposition to Jamaican Damion Lowe throughout his Inter Miami’s recreation in opposition to DC United on Sunday night time, even because the Jamaica Soccer Federation (JFF) says it’ll give him any wanted assist.
It’s alleged that DC United’s Greek ahead Taxi Fountas used the N-word in the direction of the Reggae Boyz participant an hour into the MLS match, when the 2 had an altercation.
The 2 got yellow playing cards when the state of affairs escalated.
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In response to reviews, Inter Miami gamers threatened to stroll off the sphere and subsequently spoke with supervisor Phil Neville who then had a dialog with DC United’s supervisor Wayne Rooney who substituted Fountas.
“MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and we take these allegations very critically,” an MLS spokesperson mentioned in an announcement.
“An investigation into this matter will start promptly. Additional info can be offered upon completion of that investigation.”
Neville, meantime, mentioned the racist remark was “unacceptable”.
“A phrase was used that I feel is unacceptable in society. I feel it’s the worst phrase on the planet. I referred to as the gamers over. I requested them in the event that they have been okay. I informed them that we have been going to stay collectively, take care of this, that it was unacceptable. There may be . . . no place for racism in society, by no means thoughts on a soccer area,” the Inter Miami supervisor mentioned.
The JFF mentioned in an announcement on Monday that it totally helps Lowe.
“The JFF strongly condemns and abhors racism in any type, whether or not on or off the sphere and we stand prepared to present no matter assist is important to Damion,” it mentioned.
Nonetheless, in an announcement posted to his Instagram account, Fountas mentioned he didn’t use the phrase he was accused of utilizing.
“That despicable racial slur is one I denounce and didn’t use. We had a scorching dialogue on the sphere, however I’ve not racially abused anybody. I firmly reject racism in any type, it’s despicable. I’ve many buddies from many cultures. I at all times respect the tradition, faith and pores and skin color of every particular person, I’m subsequently very upset by this accusation and saddened to be falsely accused,” he mentioned.