Major League Soccer said it will investigate the reported use of a racial slur during a match on Sunday that resulted in an in-game fight that paused play.
"MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and we take these allegations very seriously," an MLS spokesperson said in a statement, via ESPN. "An investigation into this matter will begin promptly. Further information will be provided upon completion of that investigation."
Play was stopped at the 59-minute mark after D.C. United player Taxi Fountas followed up scoring a goal by allegedly calling Inter player Damion Lowe the n-word. A fight broke out, which then paused the game. Lowe's teammates told coach Phil Neville they would walk off the pitch if Fountas wasn't removed from the match.
D.C. head coach Wayne Rooney quickly removed Fountas from the game, a move he is being applauded for.
Inter Miami's Damion Lowe reported an incident of racial abuse by DC United player Taxi Fountas.
— GiveMeSport (@GiveMeSport) September 19, 2022
Fountas, who'd just scored, was substituted instantly by manager Wayne Rooney.
Miami manager Phil Neville: "I have always known Wayne as a class act." pic.twitter.com/9Ywf8EcI3w
The Greek forward issued a statement on Monday claiming he never used a racial slur.
Taxi Fountas released a statement following the allegations against him from last nights match against #InterMiamiCF: pic.twitter.com/jSmmER9gQx
— Austin Robillard (@AustinRobillard) September 19, 2022
Both Fountas and Lowe were issued yellow cards for the fight before Fountas was dismissed. Miami went on to score late and defeat D.C. 3-2.
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