Major League Soccer announced that no further action would be taken after concluding its investigation into the allegation that a Minnesota United player racially abused a Portland Timbers counterpart during a June 26 game.
The union stated that they could not confirm the incident and thus not make any direct sanctions against anyone involved in the situation.
The alleged incident described Franco Fragapane’s racist abuse of Portland midfielder Diego Chara around the 62nd minute. At that time, referee Rosendo Mendoza suspended the game to talk to the captains of both teams before choosing to resume action without any disciplinary action. Immediately after the match, Major League Soccer began its investigation into the situation.
Almost two weeks later, the league announced its results.
“MLS conducted a thorough review of the incident, which included interviews with the official and players of the match, as well as a review of all available audio and video footage from the match,” read a statement. “MLS found that the accusation was made. in good faith, the union could not confirm or disprove the claim. MLS will use this moment to strengthen their commitment and the commitment of each of their clubs in an environment that is free from discrimination or harassment and treats all participants with respect and inclusion. ”
No further sanctions will be imposed at this time. Instead, the league took the opportunity to remind all players and clubs to carry out annual non-discrimination and harassment.
Savarese is not happy with how the incident has been handled / Abbie Parr / Getty Images
Portland Timber head coach Gio Savarese has not been silent about the situation and expressed his contempt for the league since handling the incident on the pitch. After the match, Savarese reiterated that the spoken language has absolutely no place in American football.
“I am very, very disappointed that we still have to deal with situations that should not happen anymore or in any sport or anywhere,” he said. “There are things that are not acceptable, and in this game there was a situation that had to do with a racist situation. A discriminatory word that has been said to one of our players who can have no place anywhere or in any situation or “Any sport, anywhere. So I’m extremely disappointed that we still have to deal with this type of situation in a game. The referee should have handled this situation in a much better way.”
Minnesota United, on the other hand, conducted an independent investigation into the incident and concluded that the player denied any wrongdoing and released a statement following the league’s results.
MLS concludes investigation »https://t.co/J85ylxzRMw pic.twitter.com/h7ciQmoyag
– Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 5, 2021
“Minnesota United FC unequivocally supports the principles of inclusion, equality and respect – both in word and deed – for our sport, our league, our society and our society,” it said. “There is no place for racism, homophobia or misogyny in any form. All individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
“We fully appreciate and support the thorough investigation of MLS, the results of which reflect our own review of the situation. Our club remains committed to spreading the values inherent in the unparalleled global football sport in our wider community. We will continue the hard work. work required on our common journey towards a truly inclusive and just society. “
