Wayne Rooney Subs DC United Player for Allegedly 'Using the N-Word' Against Inter Miami Opponent
- 2 years ago
DC UNITED manager Wayne Rooney has replaced one of his players after allegations that he used a racial slur against an Inter Miami player.
DC faced David Beckham's club in a crucial MLS clash at Audi Field that saw Inter earn a dramatic 3-2 victory in stoppage time.
But the game was overshadowed after 59 minutes when a brawl broke out between the hosts' striker Taxiarchis Fountas and the visitors' Damion Lowe.
Miami ace Aime Mabika also reacted angrily at Fountas with referee Ismail Elfath warning both the Greek player and Lowe.
But the referee then proceeded to consult with the captains of both teams, as well as Rooney and Inter manager Phil Neville.
After a delay of several minutes, the match continued when Fountas was carried off the pitch in the 66th minute.
Miami star DeAndre Yedlin later said that Lowe was walking away after a fight with Fountas when "the guy called it the n-word."
The visitors then refused to play until "something was done with that player".
Yedlin said: "Damion and another player got into a bit of a fight: when Damion walks away from him, one of his guys called him the n-word."
Neville backed up the former Tottenham ace's claims in his post-match interview when he claimed the "worst word in the world" was used during the game.
The Manchester United hero insisted the "unacceptable" incident must be addressed.
Neville said: "We need to address an issue that has perhaps been swept under the rug in the past, but we are a club that is proud of our diversity and inclusion in our staff and fans and there is no place for racism. we have soccer field or society.
"A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world."
Neville's former United teammate, Rooney, did not elaborate after the incident.
But the legendary striker confirmed that there was a "complaint" that will be investigated.
Rooney said: "There was a complaint, which I'm sure will be investigated. I can't say much more."
According to The Athletics reporter Pablo Iglesias Maurer, Fountas has denied using the alleged insult.
However, MLS confirmed that it will investigate the incident as there is "zero tolerance" for such abusive language.
An official statement from the league read: "MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and we take these allegations very seriously.
"An investigation into this matter will begin immediately. Further information will be provided once that investigation is complete."
DC United also confirmed that it will "work closely" with both MLS and Inter Miami to resolve the issue.
A statement from the club read: “D.C. United is aware of allegations involving a player during the game against Inter Miami CF.
"The club will work closely with Major League Soccer and Inter Miami to investigate the incident."
DC faced David Beckham's club in a crucial MLS clash at Audi Field that saw Inter earn a dramatic 3-2 victory in stoppage time.
But the game was overshadowed after 59 minutes when a brawl broke out between the hosts' striker Taxiarchis Fountas and the visitors' Damion Lowe.
Miami ace Aime Mabika also reacted angrily at Fountas with referee Ismail Elfath warning both the Greek player and Lowe.
But the referee then proceeded to consult with the captains of both teams, as well as Rooney and Inter manager Phil Neville.
After a delay of several minutes, the match continued when Fountas was carried off the pitch in the 66th minute.
Miami star DeAndre Yedlin later said that Lowe was walking away after a fight with Fountas when "the guy called it the n-word."
The visitors then refused to play until "something was done with that player".
Yedlin said: "Damion and another player got into a bit of a fight: when Damion walks away from him, one of his guys called him the n-word."
Neville backed up the former Tottenham ace's claims in his post-match interview when he claimed the "worst word in the world" was used during the game.
The Manchester United hero insisted the "unacceptable" incident must be addressed.
Neville said: "We need to address an issue that has perhaps been swept under the rug in the past, but we are a club that is proud of our diversity and inclusion in our staff and fans and there is no place for racism. we have soccer field or society.
"A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world."
Neville's former United teammate, Rooney, did not elaborate after the incident.
But the legendary striker confirmed that there was a "complaint" that will be investigated.
Rooney said: "There was a complaint, which I'm sure will be investigated. I can't say much more."
According to The Athletics reporter Pablo Iglesias Maurer, Fountas has denied using the alleged insult.
However, MLS confirmed that it will investigate the incident as there is "zero tolerance" for such abusive language.
An official statement from the league read: "MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and we take these allegations very seriously.
"An investigation into this matter will begin immediately. Further information will be provided once that investigation is complete."
DC United also confirmed that it will "work closely" with both MLS and Inter Miami to resolve the issue.
A statement from the club read: “D.C. United is aware of allegations involving a player during the game against Inter Miami CF.
"The club will work closely with Major League Soccer and Inter Miami to investigate the incident."