MLS Investigating Alleged Racist Remark Used During New York vs. San Jose Match

Major League Soccer is conducting an investigation after a Red Bulls player allegedly used a racial slur in a draw vs. the Earthquakes on Saturday night. The game between New York and San Jose was paused for 18 minutes in the second half with forward Dante Vanzeir at the center of the investigation.

“MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and takes these allegations very seriously,” the league said in a statement. “An investigation into this matter will begin promptly. Further information will be provided upon completion of that investigation.”

The Red Bulls also released a statement, deferring the investigation to the league.

“The New York Red Bulls do not condone any form of harassment or discrimination,” the team said. 

Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse maintained that he doesn’t believe the slur was directed at anyone in particular. However, Ebobisse did say that he heard it, even if he doesn’t know exactly who it was for.

“A racist remark was said. I do not believe it was to me—I can feel pretty comfortable saying (that)—but the word was used,” Ebobisse said after the game, via Tom Bogert. “From there, anyone can make any inference as to who it was hurled at.”

Vanzeir remained in the game after play resumed for 15 minutes before New York subbed him out at the 87th minute. Vanzeir then missed the rest of the game, including 21 minutes of stoppage time.

San Jose coach Luchi Gonzalez admitted he asked Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber to take Vanzeir off the field.

“I was adamant to suggest that the player should not be on the field anymore,” Gonzalez said, via Bogert. “When I listen to my players in terms of what was said or not said, there are things there that are unacceptable. It takes precedent over the game we play.”