Washington — D.C. United forward Taxi Fountas denied using a racial epithet during his team’s loss to Inter Miami on Monday, as Major League Soccer initiated an investigation into the incident.
After battling with Inter Miami defender Damian Lowe during the second half of Sunday’s match at Audi Field, Fountas was accused of uttering the n-word.
United manager Wayne Rooney substituted Greece international Fountas after Miami players stated they would not continue playing if he stayed on the field.
On Monday, though, Fountas vehemently denied using the profanity that interrupted the game for many minutes.
“I did not utter the phrase for which I am being accused,” Fountas claimed in an Instagram post. “This abhorrent racist insult is one I condemn and did not use.
“We had a heated debate on the subject. I have not, however, racially abused anyone. I vehemently detest all forms of racism.
“It is horrible… I always respect each individual’s culture, religion, and skin color. I am consequently extremely distressed by this charge and distressed to have been wrongfully accused.”
Major League Soccer has initiated an investigation into the event and warned that it has “zero tolerance” for offensive comments.
The league stated, “MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and disrespectful language, and we take these complaints very seriously.”
“A prompt investigation into this problem will commence. Upon completion of the investigation, further details will be released.”
After the game, Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville stated that Fountas had uttered the “worst word in the world.”
Neville stated, “Our club is proud of the diversity and inclusivity of our staff and fans, and racism has no place on the football pitch or in society.”
“A word that is socially undesirable was used. It is the world’s worst word.”
US international defender DeAndre Yedlin of Miami stated that he anticipated MLS to take action, describing the situation as “very dark.”
Yedlin stated, “We’ll see what MLS does about it.” “This will receive a substantial amount of my attention. It is their responsibility to take action, take a stand, and demonstrate that it has no place in the game or in society “he added.
AFP