Major League Soccer, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and Minnesota United have all released statements after an alleged racist incident in Sunday’s match between the two clubs.
No information regarding the individuals involved has been publicly released. Both clubs did not respond to a request from DailyMail.com for confirmation of possible names.
‘Major League Soccer has been made aware of a reported on-field incident and an allegation of a violation of the League’s Non-Discrimination Policy in today’s Minnesota United FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC match,’ the league’s statement read. ‘MLS will immediately begin a thorough review of the matter.’
Both clubs released similarly worded statements, saying there are ‘aware of an on-field incident involving one of our players and an allegation of the League’s Non-Discrimination Policy.’
The two teams said, ‘Harassment or discriminatory behavior has no place in our sport’ and they both ‘condemn all forms of harassment or discrimination.’
Both sides are ‘in close communication with Major League Soccer and will refrain from making any further comments as the League reviews the matter.’
MLS is investigating an alleged violation of their Anti-Discrimination Policy in a match
Vancouver and Minnesota confirmed the incident, but didn’t reveal the player’s names
MLS implemented a new Anti-Discrimination Policy ahead of the 2024 season, which the league said was the first of its kind in American professional sports, ‘in that it is centered on restorative practices, prioritizing education, prevention, training and cultural awareness.’
Per the policy, players involved in a discriminatory incident will ‘have the opportunity to speak confidentially with a trained facilitator’ who will have a ‘formal role in evaluating the situation and offering a proposed restorative plan when appropriate.’
‘Thorough’ investigations into these incidents involve assessments of audio and video footage, a review of the match report, and interviews with witnesses.
The policy states that the commissioner has the authority to issue discipline ‘if it is determined that a violation occurred.’
However, if the player accepts responsibility and agrees to engage in a ‘restorative plan’ they will face ‘less severe discipline than if he denies committing the act and is found, based on all the evidence, to have been untruthful or misleading.’
MLS is one of the more nationally diverse leagues in the world and has suffered from multiple notable racist incidents over the past few years.
The most prominent example involved New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir using a racial slur against San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse during an April 2023 match.
Vanzeir was suspended for six games. That punishment was subsequently protested by the Red Bulls fans, who believed it was too light.
Over the summer, Vanzeir transferred back to his native Belgium and club KAA Gent.
