After the 1-1 against San Jose Earthquakes, American striker Jeremy Ebobisse (26) spoke of a racist remark, “although he did not believe it was directly aimed at him”. Photos show how especially Jamiro Monteiro is very upset. Ebobisse, still on RSC Anderlecht’s wish list on a blue Monday, said that ‘the word’ was used and to feel “powerless”. The former Union striker was immediately surrounded by several San Jose players in minute 54 and had to pay the price. San Jose threatened to leave the field, which ultimately did not happen, but the incident resulted in a whopping 22 minutes of extra time – an MLS record.
San Jose coach Gonzalez said after the game that he asked his New York Red Bulls colleague Gerhard Struber to change “the player in question”. “From what I have heard from my players, something has been said that is really unacceptable. We cannot tolerate this and I hope that the MLS will investigate this thoroughly and that there will be sanctions.” In the end, Vanzeir only went to the side in minute 86.
The MLS is already aware of the incident where “language was allegedly used in violation of league policy”, it sounds. “The MLS has a zero tolerance policy for offensive and abusive language and takes these allegations seriously. An investigation into this matter will begin immediately. Further information will be provided upon completion of that investigation.”
There are already precedents: Taxi Fountas of DC United was already held aside by his club until the MLS cleared him for a similar incident. And the Dutch trainer Ron Jans was fired in February 2020 by his club Cincinatti because of alleged racism.
New York Red Bulls responded to the incident with a clear statement. “One of our players is said to have been racist during the match. The club attaches great importance to this and has immediately reported this to Major League Soccer. We will cooperate with the investigation. New York Red Bulls condemn any form of harassment or discrimination.”
