Key takeaways:
- MLS has suspended New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir for six regular season games and fined him
- Vanzeir is prohibited from playing in the U.S. Open Cup, exhibition matches or the third-tier MLS Next Pro league until the suspension is over
- Vanzeir must participate in “League-mandated training and education sessions, as well as a restorative practices program”
Major League Soccer (MLS) has suspended New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir for six regular season games and fined him for using a racial slur during a match against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
In addition to the suspension and fine, Vanzeir will be prohibited from playing in the U.S. Open Cup, exhibition matches or the third-tier MLS Next Pro league until the suspension is over. He will also be required to participate in “League-mandated training and education sessions, as well as a restorative practices program,” MLS said in a news release Thursday.
The incident occurred during the match on Saturday, when Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse said in a post-game interview that he heard a Red Bulls player make a racist remark. MLS launched an investigation into the incident and determined that Vanzeir was the player who used the racial slur.
Vanzeir issued an apology on Monday, saying, “I accept full responsibility for my actions.” The Red Bulls said Tuesday that Vanzeir addressed his teammates that day and left “to avoid further distractions.”
MLS did not disclose the amount of the fine imposed on Vanzeir. The league said it will continue to investigate the incident and take appropriate action.
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