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United Soccer League and USL Championship team Loudoun United have announced that they are opening an investigation into allegations that fans abused racist New York Red Bulls II players.
The alleged incidents took place during Tuesday’s game between the two teams. One incident in particular was highlighted on social media in which Red Bulls II center-back Mandela Egbo prepared to take a penalty. The available audio contains boos as well as what sounds like a fan grunting.
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Egbo then tweeted that the chants took place in the second half. A source at the club said the abuse started when Roald Mitchell entered the game at half-time.
“One of our young forwards kept his ultimate cool when singing songs from that same section of fans behind the goal,” Egbo said in a tweet. “I hope the audio for the entire second half footage will be listened to very closely by the powers that be.”
USL and Loudon United released statements on Wednesday saying they would investigate the case.
“The club are working diligently to investigate the situation and will act swiftly and firmly as this behavior is in direct conflict with our Segra Field Code of Conduct,” part of Loudon United’s statement read. “Any fan present involved in this matter will be held responsible for their heinous behavior and will be serving a lifetime ban from all future Loudon United FC games and events at Segra Field.”
USL said: “An investigation is already underway and every effort will be made to identify potential violators.”
The Loudoun Stampede, the team’s supporters group, said in a statement: “While we believe this is a case of misinterpretation, we welcome an investigation because if this was true, it would represent heinous behavior that has no place in our beloved game or in the values we represent.
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