All three New York Red Bulls supporters groups plan to stage a WALKOUT at next match vs. Houston

The three main supporter groups for the New York Red Bulls – Viking Army (VA), Empire Supporters Club and Torcida 96 – say they will protest against the Houston Dynamo during this weekend’s game after a racist remark made by RBNY player Dante Vanzeir last weekend .

In a joint statement, the three groups say they intend to protest against both the club and MLS for their lack of action. They have chosen not only to wear black during the game, but to leave the ‘South Ward’ supporters’ section in protest before the game starts.

“The South Ward is united in our desire to protest in response to the racial abuse that occurred during the game on April 8, as well as the inadequate response from the New York Red Bulls and Major League Soccer,” the statement began.

It is the South Ward’s position that we will not provide active stadium support at the Red Bull Arena until Dante Vanzeir and Gerhard Struber have been duly punished and held accountable for their actions.

“Although Dante has received a six-game suspension from Major League Soccer, we don’t think this is enough. MLS has not adhered to its “Zero Tolerance” policy on racism. We call on MLS to reevaluate their findings and set a precedent that racism in any form will not be tolerated.

Fans furious after recent racist comments by newcomer Dante Vanzeir (13)

They have also expressed anger at manager Gerhard Struber’s inaction during the match

In a joint statement, the fan groups say they will “continue to protest” until changes are made

“We disagree with MLS and RBNY’s failure to penalize Gerhard Struber. His conduct during and after this incident is unacceptable. We call for [sporting director] Jochen Schneider to dismiss Gerhard immediately.

“Our protest starts this Saturday. We call on everyone in the Red Bull Arena to walk out of the stadium with us at kick-off.

We also call for a boycott of all concessions and trade stalls, and for donations of what you would have spent in the stadium to be directed to Black Players for Change, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to tackling racial harassment. injustice, inequality and inequality.

“We intend to continue protesting against RBNY and MLS until our terms are met or we believe the organization has made meaningful and acceptable changes.”

Vanzeir’s words during an on-pitch scuffle led to a long stoppage of play, resulting in 21 minutes of added time at the end of the game. Officials were in consultation with players and coaches as to whether or not to continue the game.

MLS announced yesterday that Vanzeir was suspended for six games because of his words. He was also fined an undisclosed amount.

Reaction to the suspension was largely negative, with some – including CBS Sports’ Charlie Davies – saying Vanzeir should have been suspended for an extended period of time.

In a statement released by the club on behalf of Vanzeir, he apologized for his words.

Vanzeir has been suspended for six games by the MLS and fined an undisclosed amount

Despite pleas to move Vanzeir away from opponents and managers, New York Red Bulls boss Gerhard Struber kept the Belgian on the field until the 87th minute, when he was substituted

“I accept full responsibility for my actions,” Vanzeir’s statement began. “While I had no intention of harming or offending my language, I know I did and I am deeply sorry. I agree to any suspension, fine and advice imposed by Major League Soccer and the club.

“I will take this opportunity to better myself, reflect, and dedicate my time and efforts to working with organizations that address racial injustice.”

The day after the statement was released, and prior to the suspension, the club said Vanzeir would leave the team.

The statement issued by the club on Struber’s behalf did not contain the words ‘apologies’ or ‘sorry’, despite his inaction being directly criticized in the club’s statement.

As the incident occurred and the extended hiatus continued, Earthquakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez said he was “adamant about suggesting that the player shouldn’t be on the field anymore.”

Despite this, Vanzeir was only taken off the field in the 87th minute.

Struber’s statement on Monday read: “During our game on Saturday I made a decision that I thought was the best given the information I had at the time.

“Although there was a lot of uncertainty at the time, with the information I know now, the right decision would have been to immediately remove Dante Vanzeir from the game.”

It wasn’t until a Thursday press conference that Struber apologized publiclysaying, ‘First of all I’ll say I’m sorry for such a night,’ add afterwards that he “must have brought” [Vanzeir] out sooner.’

Fans from all three supporter groups have expressed their anger against the club

In recent days, fans of the club have repeatedly called for Struber’s resignation, not only because of his passivity in this matter, but also because of his lack of responsibility.

Leaders from the three supporters’ groups met with leaders in the Red Bulls front office, including club general manager Marc de Grandpre and sporting director Jochen Schneider, as well as Vanzeir and Struber.

According to an account of the rally, some members believed that Vanzeir was “sincere and honest with his apologies” when speaking to supporters.

Meanwhile, that same account of events claimed that leadership was “definitely unhappy with what Struber had to say and the way he said it,” while that reminder added, “His explanation and apology seemed off. have a lot behind. We didn’t feel that he really believed he was wrong or made a mistake.’

The game between the Red Bulls and Houston kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.