Portland Timbers say racist taunt occurred during match with Minnesota United, allege poor handling of the in – OregonLive

Portland Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese opened his postgame press conference with a tirade against what he alleges was a racist taunt directed at midfielder Diego Chara by a Minnesota United player during his team’s 1-0 loss amid historically high temperatures Saturday night at Providence Park.

“I am very, extremely disappointed that we have to deal with situations like this that should not happen in any sport,” Savarese began. “There was a discriminatory word that was said to one of our players that cannot have any place in any sport, or anywhere.”

The incident occurred around the 65th minute of the match when play was stopped as Timbers players protested to the official about the racist taunt. There appeared to be a conference on the pitch between Timbers players and the official, but no disciplinary action was taken as a result. That was a course of inaction Savarese says was unacceptable.

“The referee should have handled this situation in a much better way,” Savarese continued. “We are all in support of Diego Chara. I was very disappointed that it was not taken as serious as it should have been. So the team, myself, the whole organization, is with Diego Chara in this situation that has happened on the field today.”

A spokesman for Minnesota United told the Andy Greder of the Pioneer Press that Loons coach Adrian Heath “spoke with the player and he says he didn’t say anything,” and that the club would not confirm the identity of the player involved.

The Timbers fell to Minnesota United 1-0 after conceding an early goal that took place in just the second minute of play. Kickoff was moved to 8:30 p.m. due to the historic heat wave. Portland fought hard but weren’t crisp enough to earn an equalizer before time ran out in what was a thrilling back-and-forth for much of the second half.

“It was a difficult game, a game in which we played a good side, but unfortunately we conceded early in the game.” Savarese said. “I think with the effort we put in we deserved at least a tie, but in soccer it’s not what you deserve but what you do.”

PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH: