Photo: Steve Dykes/Getty
The match, in which the Timbers lost 1-0, was paused in the 65th minute because of the reported occurrence, according toESPN.
Referee Rosendo Mendoza spoke with Timbers captain Diego Valeri and Chara, 35, alongside United captain Michael Boxall and player Wil Trapp, though the referee let the game continue on with no further action being taken, per thePioneerPress.
“A discriminatory word that has been said to one of our players that cannot have any place in anywhere in any situation or any sport, nowhere,” he continued. “So, I’m extremely disappointed that still at this time we have to deal with these kind of situations in a game. The referee should have handled this situation in a much better way.”
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“We are all in support of Diego Chara, but what happened to him today, the discriminatory word that was said to him, should not have a place anywhere at this time and I am extremely disappointed that it was not taken as seriously as it should have been,” he continued. “The whole team, myself, the whole organization, is with Diego Chara in this situation that happened on the field today.”
In astatementissued on Sunday, Minnesota United said their team is aware of the accusations made against one of their players.
“The team has been investigating the matter and the player involved in the reported incident has denied making any derogatory remarks,” the team said. “We will support the league in any investigation it chooses to make around the alleged event.”
“MNUFC is built on inclusivity and respect, and does not tolerate discrimination under any circumstance,” they added.
In a statement of their own, Major League Soccer (MLS)added, “Major League Soccer is aware of the alleged incident that occurred during the Portland Timbers and Minnesota United match last night. MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language, and we take these allegations very seriously. An investigation into this matter has already begun. Further information will be provided upon completion of that investigation.”
source: people.com
