MLS to investigate allegations of racism in Quakes-Red Bulls NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth game

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Major League Soccer has announced it will open an investigation into an allegation of racism stemming from Saturday’s game between the San Jose Earthquakes and New York Red Bulls.

Early in the second half, at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, play was halted after Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse said he heard a ‘racist remark’ allegedly coming from of Dante Vanzeir of the Red Bulls.

Play resumed in the 72nd minute, but meanwhile Earthquakes players and staff were discussing the situation with officials in an attempt to find out what was allegedly said.

Ebobisse spoke to the media after the match and discussed the incident.

What we saw tonight shouldn’t be part of the game. … I know what I heard,” he said, via Bleacher Report’s Tom Bogert. “…“A racist remark was made. word was used. From there, anyone can make any inference as to who it was thrown at.

“That’s what it’s like to be Black in these situations. You can’t go wrong, you can’t override anything outside of what you know to be fact. You have to proceed with absolute caution, even in times of pain when you feel rather helpless.”

Vanzeir, who joined New York last offseason in what could become a club record if the incentives are met, remained on the pitch until the 87th minute before being substituted. Earthquakes first-year manager Luchi Gonzalez has confirmed he has told Red Bulls manager Gerhard Struber to replace Vanzeir.

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

Gonzalez added that he told his players that if they didn’t want to finish the game anymore during the stoppage, he would have supported their decision.

The Red Bulls hours after the match also released a statement:

“It came to our attention during Saturday’s game that one of our players allegedly used a racial slur on the pitch,” the statement read. “…We will cooperate with the League’s investigation.”

MLS will provide further information at the end of the investigation.

Cristian Espinoza opened the scoring for the Quakes in the 80th minute to take a 1-0 lead, but Tom Barlow equalized for New York 17 minutes after the clock hit 90 to seal a 1-1 tie.

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