” We are conscious of the declared use of a homophobic slur in tonights match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC,” the league said in a statement. We are devoted to our message, we are loyal to our players, we are faithful to our fans, and most significantly we are loyal to San Diego. One of the gamers could be heard stating, “Were off the field.” Our guys, to their immense credit, simply stated, Were not going to stand for this,” Donovan said in the video.” At no point did I state a homophobic slur towards Collin Martin.
We are faithful to our message, we are loyal to our players, we are faithful to our fans, and most notably we are devoted to San Diego. #SDvPHX|#AllBlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/wXkv5O7qVr— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020
” Our guys, to their tremendous credit, just said, Were not going to represent this,” Donovan stated in the video. “They were very clear in that moment that they were quiting all hopes of making the playoffs, despite the fact that they were beating among the very best teams in the league handedly. However they said that does not matter, theres things more vital in life and we have to stick up for what our company believe in. Therefore they made the choice to stroll off.”
The Rising released a declaration Wednesday night and stated it is “investigating the claim of a homophobic slur” utilized by one of its gamers. The Rising stated the gamer “vehemently rejects these allegations.”
” Phoenix Rising stands with the USL in declining and punishing any homophobic behavior,” the Rising said in its declaration.
Junior Flemmings later on determined himself as the gamer implicated of using the anti-gay slur and called the accusation incorrect, stating his colleagues would support his account.
” At no point did I state a homophobic slur towards Collin Martin. I do not understand Collin personally, however I respect all of my opponents equally, Collin consisted of,” Flemmings said in a statement published to Twitter. “I stand in uniformity with the LGBTQ+ motion.”
Wednesday nights demonstration happened quickly after Martin was provided a red card with the Loyal leading 3-1. Several Loyal gamers approached a referee and were noticeably upset. One of the players might be heard saying, “Were off the field.
As Loyal coach Landon Donovan and Rising coach Rick Schantz discussed the situation with the referee, a Loyal player walked toward Schantz and said a Rising player directed a slur at Martin.
” Dont act dumb,” the player said to Schantz. “You know what that implies.”
Donovan later explained in a video posted on Twitter why his club picked to leave the field.
The San Diego Loyal strolled off the field in protest Wednesday night, stating a Phoenix Rising gamer used an anti-gay slur directed at midfielder Collin Martin in the first half of their USL Championship match.
Martin is an openly gay gamer.
The game, played at Torero Stadium in San Diego, was not recognized in the leagues arise from Wednesday, and the match has been ruled a surrender.
The USL Championship stated it was investigating the incident.
” We understand the declared usage of a homophobic slur in tonights match in between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC,” the league stated in a declaration. “Foul and abusive language of any type has definitely no location in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches. An investigation is currently underway to determine the truths surrounding the incident and more info will be supplied as quickly as it is available.”
In the Loyals previous match, Galaxy II gamer Omar Ontiveros was suspended by the league, and ultimately cut by the group, after saying the N-word in the direction of Loyal player Elijah Martin.
” Last week we made it loud and clear that we do not stand for bigotry or homophobia. Absolutely nothing has changed this week,” the Loyal tweeted Wednesday night.
