MLS is unable to prove if DC United’s Taxi Fountas used N-word

The MLS had found “credible” claims that DC United player Taxi Fountas used racially abusive language towards an Inter Miami player, but could not prove it.

Fountas was accused of calling Miami’s Damian Lowe the N-word after an altercation during a match in September.

The ugly altercation between the pair took place in the 62nd minute of the MLS match on September 18, with the duo pushing and shoving each other after Jamaican international Lowe was unhappy with the Greek’s challenge.

The MLS has launched an investigation into the incident after DC United’s 3-2 loss to Inter Miami.

The league announced Monday that it had completed the investigation and found Miami defender Aime Mabika’s claim to be credible.

The MLS also said that while it could not independently verify the allegation, it did not find Fountas’s claim that he said anything at the time not credible.

An altercation between Fountas and Damion Lowe occurred during MLS match in September

The league confirmed that footage of the incident clearly shows Mabika suddenly reacting to something he thought he heard from Fountas after his scuffle with Lowe, who is black. Lowe and Fontas were shown yellow cards.

MLS could not independently confirm, through additional eyewitness accounts, video footage or audio recordings, what Fountas said at the time, as the league has long had the discipline to determine player discipline for these kinds of allegations.

MLS plans to review its policies and practices regarding allegations of abusive and discriminatory language and is committed to working with all stakeholders during this off-season.

Lowe yelled back at Fountas after the alleged slur had been used, and umpire Ismail Elfath then stopped play to talk to both captains.

Things then took an even more sinister turn in the next four minutes as former Manchester United team-mates Wayne Rooney and Phil Neville gathered on the sidelines to talk to the official.

Neville then called his Inter Miami players to discuss whether they should continue playing as both players were subsequently booked.

Tensions between the pair remained high and they had to be separated for a second time, and after a five-minute hiatus, the game was finally resumed.

Lowe (pictured) and Fountas were both booked by referee Ismail Elfath for their altercation

DC United boss Rooney then decided to take Fountas – who had made it 2-2 a few minutes earlier – off the court the next time the ball went out of play, with the 27-year-old being replaced by Miguel Berry.

Rooney was praised by the Inter Miami boss for his actions, with the latter saying: he had ‘gained more respect’ for him ‘than for any goal he had scored in the past’.

During the investigation, Fountas remained voluntarily separated from DC United and did not participate in two MLS games on October 1 and October 9, but is eligible to play for DC United during the 2023 season.

DC United boss Rooney then decided to take out Fountas the next time the ball went out of play

Rooney made the decision despite the Greek having equalized a few minutes earlier

MLS has fined or suspended players and coaches for foul language in the past.

In 1998, New England player Edwin Gorter was fined $20,000 and suspended for two games for racially motivated during a scuffle with a teammate.

In addition, DC coach Peter Nowak was fined in 2006 for a racist comment; and in 2013, Alan Gordon of San Jose was banned for three games for making homophobic comments.

Fountas had denied racially insulting Lowe on Instagram after the incident.

Fountas wrote in a statement: “I have not used the word I am accused of. That despicable racist slur is one I’m denouncing and haven’t used.

“We had a heated discussion on the pitch, but I didn’t racially offend anyone. I firmly reject racism in any form. It’s despicable.

DC United’s Fontas took to Instagram to deny allegations that he was Lowe. had racially abused

‘I have many friends from many cultures. I always respect the culture, religion and skin color of each person.

“I am therefore very upset by this accusation and saddened to be falsely accused.”

Following the league’s findings, DC United released a statement stating that the team fully supported and participated in the investigation.

It read: “The club appreciates and accepts the findings of the competition’s investigation, as well as the conclusion that the act in question could not be confirmed after several interviews that took place with individuals involved and close to the incident, including those closest to the situation. , as well as through an in-depth assessment of audio and video from multiple broadcast angles.

‘In addition, the club wants to acknowledge the cooperation of Taxi Fontas during the investigation.

“DC United is committed to continuing to do the work necessary to uphold one of our club’s core values, which is that racism has no home in our sport, and we must be proactive in our efforts to to create a place where everyone feels welcome and respected.’