United players and manager respond to ‘discriminatory word’ allegations

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“We all support Diego Chara. What happened to him today, the discriminatory word he was told, should have no place anywhere.”

Gio Savarese explains why the game was abandoned in the 65th minute and expresses his disappointment with the way it was handled. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/5FUmTwErq5

– Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) June 27, 2021

Savarese’s comments came during his post-game press conference on Saturday night. The Heath and United players had already given their press conferences and were already leaving the arena.

United then released a statement saying the player in question and his nearby teammates deny any inappropriate comments.

“The MNUFC is founded on inclusiveness and respect, and does not tolerate discrimination under any circumstances,” the statement said.

Saturday’s game between United and the Timbers was briefly interrupted in the 62nd minute as referees settled the tie-up of several players.

Chara attempted a tackle as United’s Franco Fragapane possessed the ball. After the contact, they got together and exchanged words.

Officials interrupted the game and called the captains of both teams – Michael Boxall for United, Diego Valeri for Portland. Several other players were involved, but Fragapane’s teammates prevented him from joining the group.

It was obvious that the Portland players were angry and calling for the referees.

RELATED: MLS Examines Racial Abuse Allegations of Timbers Player in MNUFC Game

The Professional Referees Organization, which manages the official teams for Major League Soccer matches, issued a statement explaining that no immediate disciplinary action was taken because the referee had not witnessed or heard of alleged abuse.

“The referee then went further to inform the captains of both teams that he was aware of the allegation, that he could not issue a sanction, but that he would include the incident in his match report. official to initiate further investigation, “PRO said in a statement. Sunday. “In this case, the referee acted appropriately in accordance with the annual diversity and anti-discrimination training protocols, which all PRO match officials are required to participate in each season to identify and respond effectively to discrimination of any kind during competition. “

Major League Soccer is investigating the charges.

“MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language, and we take these allegations very seriously. An investigation into this matter has already started. Further information will be provided at the end of this investigation, ”the league said in a statement on Sunday.

Minnesota United has said it will fully cooperate with the investigation and encourage players to do the same.

Content from The Associated Press has been used in this report

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