Soccer Officials Investigate Hate-Speech Incident After LAFC Player Allegedly Hurls Abusive Language at Opponent
Investigation Underway
Soccer officials are investigating a hate-speech incident after a Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) player allegedly called a Colorado Rapids player a derogatory term during a match on Tuesday.
Alleged Incident
ESPN reported that the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, known as CONCACAF, is launching an investigation after LAFC’s Sergi Palencia allegedly called the Rapid’s Chidozie Awaziem a derogatory term during the final minutes of the close CONCACAF Champions Cup match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, KTLA sister station KDVR reports.
Reaction from Colorado Rapids
Head coach of the Rapids, Chris Armas, said several players were visibly upset leaving the game.
“As a club, we do not tolerate any form of abuse, and we stand with our players following these very serious allegations. This language has no place in our game,” the Rapids said in a statement on Wednesday.
Player’s Statement
Awaziem posted a statement on Instagram on Wednesday, saying that he believes he was subject to abusive language and immediately reported the incident to teammates and officials.
“Concacaf has been clear with its ‘What’s Wrong is Wrong’ campaign that discrimination has no place in our sport. As players, we need to know that these standards are upheld and that we’re protected on the field,” Awaziem said. “My hope is that the governing bodies of the sport continue to hold players and fans accountable for discriminatory language in order to create an environment that protects and respects players of all races and cultural backgrounds.”
LAFC’s Statement
LAFC posted on X about the “referee & player controversy” on Tuesday night, saying that Palencia was accused of using a derogatory term, and that if that’s true, it’s unacceptable.
ESPN reported that LAFC said in its own statement later on Wednesday, “LAFC is aware of the reported incident during last night’s Concacaf Champions Cup match and is cooperating fully with the ongoing Concacaf investigation. LAFC is a club for all and stands against hate in any form. We have spoken with our player about the incident and will continue to respect the investigative process.”
Conclusion
The incident has sparked outrage in the soccer community, with many calling for stricter penalties for players who engage in discriminatory behavior. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences Palencia will face if found guilty of the allegations.
FAQs
Q: What is the alleged incident about?
A: A Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) player, Sergi Palencia, allegedly called a Colorado Rapids player, Chidozie Awaziem, a derogatory term during a CONCACAF Champions Cup match.
Q: Who is investigating the incident?
A: The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) is investigating the incident.
Q: What is the reaction from the Colorado Rapids?
A: The Colorado Rapids have condemned the alleged behavior and said it has no place in the game.
Q: What is the reaction from LAFC?
A: LAFC has cooperated with the investigation and has spoken with their player about the incident, stating that they stand against hate in any form and will respect the investigative process.
