MLS had found the allegation that DC United player Taxi Fountas used racially abusive language towards an Inter Miami player was “credible” but could not prove it.
Fountas was accused of calling Miami’s Damian Lowe the N-word after an altercation during a game 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.
MLS launched an investigation into the incident following DC United’s 3-2 loss to Inter Miami.
The league announced Monday that it had concluded its investigation and found the allegation, made by Miami defenseman Aime Mabika, to be credible.
MLS also said that while it was unable to independently verify the allegation, it did not find Fountas’ claim that he said nothing at the time to be credible.
MLS had found the allegation that DC United player Taxi Fountas (No. 11) used racially abusive language towards an Inter Miami player was ‘credible’ but could not prove it.
An altercation between Fountas and Damion Lowe took place during an 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 fight with Lowe, who is black. Lowe and Fountas received yellow cards.
MLS was unable to independently confirm, through additional eyewitness accounts, video footage or audio recordings, what Fountas said at the time, as has been the league’s long-standing practice in determining the discipline of players for these kinds of accusations.
MLS plans to review its policies and practices regarding reports of abusive and discriminatory language and is committed to working with all stakeholders this offseason.
Lowe yelled at Fountas after the alleged insult was used, and referee Ismail Elfath stopped play to speak to both captains.
It then took an even more sinister turn over the next four minutes when former Manchester United team-mates Wayne Rooney and Phil Neville gathered on the sidelines to speak to the referee.
Neville then summoned his Inter Miami players to discuss whether they should continue playing, as both players were subsequently booked.
Tensions remained high between the pair and they had to be separated for a second time, and after a five-minute stoppage, play finally resumed.
Lowe (pictured) and Fountas were booked by referee Ismail Elfath for their altercation
DC United manager Rooney decided to take Fountas, who had made it 2-2 a few minutes earlier, out the next time the ball came off a play, with the 27-year-old replaced by Miguel Berry.
Rooney was praised by the Inter Miami boss for his actions, with the latter saying he had “earned 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 appear in two MLS games on October 1 and 9, but is eligible to play for DC United during the 2023 season.
DC United boss Rooney decided to remove Fountas the next time the ball went out of play.
Rooney made the decision despite the Greek having leveled the score just minutes earlier.
MLS has fined or suspended players and coaches in the past for abusive language.
In 1998, New England player Edwin Gorter was fined $20,000 and suspended two games for racial slurs during a fight with a teammate.
Also, in 2006, DC coach Peter Nowak was fined for a racist comment; and in 2013, San Jose’s Alan Gordon was suspended three games for a homophobic slur.
Fountas had denied racially abusing Lowe on Instagram after the incident.
Fountas wrote in a statement: “I did not use the word that I am accused of. That despicable racial slur is one that I denounce and did not use.
“We had a heated argument on the pitch, but I haven’t racially abused anyone. I strongly reject racism in any form. it is despicable
DC United’s Fountas took to Instagram to deny allegations he racially abused Lowe
‘I have many friends from many cultures. I always respect the culture, religion and skin color of each person.
“Therefore, I am very upset by this accusation and saddened to be falsely accused.”
Following the league’s findings, DC United released a statement saying the team had fully supported and participated in the investigation.
It read: ‘The club appreciates and accepts the findings of the league’s investigation, as well as the conclusion that the act in question could not be confirmed following various interviews that took place with people involved in and close to the incident, including those closest to the incident. to the situation. , as well as through an in-depth review of audio and video from multiple broadcast angles.
‘Furthermore, the club would like to thank Taxi Fountas for its cooperation throughout the investigation.
“DC United is committed to continuing to do the work necessary to uphold one of our club’s core values that racism has no place in our sport and we must be proactive in our efforts to create a place where everyone feels welcome and respected.” .