Dante Vanzeir of the New York Red Bulls has been suspended by Major League Soccer for six regular season games for using racist language.
Vanzeir admitted to using racial slurs during a weekend brawl with the San Jose Earthquakes.
Barely seen this posted anywhere and it baffles me. This should be the biggest talking point of the weekend. Based off the reactions it’s clear SOMETHING was said that crossed the line. MLS needs to handle this fast & accordingly & hand out a lengthy ban if accusations are backed pic.twitter.com/p6WoSdYuEG
— Jimmy King (@Jimmyking35) April 9, 2023
His actions caused a lengthy pause while referees debated whether to red card Vanzeir or continue the match. As a result of the remark, the referees granted 21 minutes of stoppage time.
After speaking with his teammates, the club announced on Tuesday that Vanzeir would be leaving the team ‘until further notice’.
According to a press release, Vanzeir will be barred from competing in the US Open Cup, MLS NEXT PRO, and exhibition matches until the suspension is over.
The league also fined Vanzeir an undisclosed amount and ordered him to attend additional League-mandated training and education sessions.
The MLS says it is working with the Red Bulls, San Jose, and the MLS Players Association to ‘provide impacted players and staff with support and resources, and is committed to continuing to review and improve its in-game protocol.’
On Monday, the Red Bulls issued a series of statements, including one from the club and statements from Vanzeir and manager Gerhard Struber.
‘I accept full responsibility for my actions,’ began Vanzeir’s statement. ‘While I did not intend to cause any harm or offense with my language, I know that I did and for that I am deeply sorry. I will agree to any suspension, fine and counseling that is handed down by Major League Soccer and the club.
‘I will use this opportunity to better myself, reflect and dedicate my time and efforts to work with organizations that tackle racial injustice.’
The club’s statement directly apologized for the incident, calling the words and the inaction ‘inexcusable’.
‘The New York Red bulls wholeheartedly apologize for the unacceptable events that transpired on Saturday night during the match with the San Jose Earthquakes,’ it read. ‘The words and inaction was inexcusable, and we believe there is never a place for it.
‘We always strive for an environment that is inclusive and anti-racist. Our organization is committed to providing the resources to further educate our players and staff, as well as rebuilding trust within our community.’