Red Bulls Racial Slur Under Investigation by Major League Soccer

The Red Bulls came back to score a goal to avoid being defeated at home after 22 minutes of stoppage time due to an alleged racial slur in the 54^th minute of the game.

Although San Jose Earthquakes player Jeremy Ebobbisse did not name the Red Bulls player who allegedly stated a racial slur, there are several press accounts that forward Dante Vanzeir was the Red Bulls player who allegedly utter the racial slur.  Ebobbisse stated at the end of the game that although uttered, the racial slur was not directed at him.

The Red Bulls had won the last 4 games against the San Jose Earthquakes and expectations were that the Red Bulls would continue their winning streak at Home but ended up with a 1-1 draw.  It could have been worse if the game was called after the alleged racial slur.  Tom Barlow scored the tying goal in what turned out to be the latest goal in the history of Major League Soccer (MLS). Cristian Espinoza scored the first goal of the game for the San Jose Earthquakes.

The Red Bulls organization issued a statement after the game saying in part “It was brought to our attention during Saturday’s match that one of our players allegedly used a racial slur on the pitch.  The Red Bulls take these matters very seriously and promptly reported the allegations to Major League Soccer.  We will cooperate with the League’s investigation.”

The MLS in its statement said, “Major League Soccer is aware of an incident wherein a New York Red Bulls player is alleged to have used language that violates league policy during the 54^th minute of the New York Red Bulls vs. San Jose Earthquakes match tonight.  MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and takes these allegations seriously An investigation into this matter will begin promptly. Further information will be provided upon completion of that investigation. The New York Red Bulls do not condone any form of harassment or discrimination.”

The Red Bulls were down 1-0 before the game stoppage.  There was talk among the San Jose Earthquakes players about not continuing with the game but Ebobbisse ultimately prevailed on his teammates to continue with the game.  It is not clear what the MLS rules are if the opponent refuses to continue to play after a racial slur.

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