Dante Vanzeir steps down from New York Red Bulls until further notice after addressing his teammates following racism spat in Saturday’s game with San Jose Earthquakes
Dante Vanzier has taken a step back from the New York Red Bulls after addressing his teammates on Tuesday morning in the wake of the racism spat that has rocked Major League Soccer.
A statement from Red Bulls on Tuesday said: ‘Dante Vanzeir addressed his teammates this morning and to avoid any further distraction, will be leaving the club until further notice.’
During the game, a scuffle led to a lengthy stoppage that resulted in an astonishing 21 minutes of extra time at the end of the game.
After the match, San Jose player Jeremy Ebobisse said he heard a racist remark – and footage from the match showed players on both sides reacting by pushing Vanzeir away from the scuffle.
Vanzeir, who recently arrived from Belgium, took responsibility for what he did in a statement released Monday night, saying he “accepted any suspension, fine and advice” resulting from his sentence.
Dante Vanzier has stepped back from the New York Red Bulls after becoming embroiled in a racial squabble following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes
After Saturday’s incident, the game was abandoned as officials decided how to proceed
Vanzeir’s statement read: ‘I want to offer my sincere apologies to the players of the earthquakes. I will do everything I can to be part of the change that needs to take place in this sport and our world.
“I also want to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the organization and our fans. I made a mistake and will take all necessary steps to grow.
“I accept full responsibility for my actions. While it was not my intention to harm or offend 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.”
A statement from the club also apologized directly for the incident, calling the words and omission ‘inexcusable’.
“The New York Red Bulls sincerely apologize for the unacceptable events that occurred during Saturday night’s game with the San Jose Earthquakes,” it read.
“The words and inaction were unforgivable and we believe there is never a place for it.
“We always strive for an environment that is inclusive and anti-racist. Our organization is committed to providing the resources to further train our players and staff, and to restore trust within our community.”
A statement from manager Struber was also released. However, his statement did not contain the words ‘apology’ or ‘sorry’, despite the fact that his club’s statement took direct action.
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.”
Vanzeir made his first Red Bulls start in Saturday’s game after joining in February
Despite this, Vanzeir was only taken off the field in the 87th minute.
Struber’s statement 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.”
Vanzeir made his first Red Bulls start in Saturday’s game after joining the team from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in February.