LA Galaxy releases defender who called San Diego Loyal player 'the N-word' during match
LA Galaxy II, the reserve team for the Galaxy, has parted ways with defender Omar Ontiveros after he directed a racial slur at an opponent in a game against the San Diego Loyal this past week.
San Diego is the second-tier United Soccer League team co-owned and coached by USMNT legend Landon Donovan, and it announced Friday that it had forfeited the point it was awarded in a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy II “following news that a racial slur was directed at a SD player during the match.”
During the 71st minute of the match, a LA Galaxy II player used a racist remark (the n-word) towards a SD Loyal player. Multiple referees, LA Galaxy II coaching staff and players were in the area, several of which (admittedly) heard the exchange. The Galaxy player was not disciplined by LA Galaxy II coaching staff or referees and SD Loyal coaching staff did not hear about the incident until the match was over.
Following an investigation, the USL initially announced Friday that it had suspended Ontiveros six games “for or the use of foul and abusive language during the club’s contest against San Diego Loyal.” It added that Ontiveros didn’t dispute the accusation.
“We don’t even want to recognize being a part of a match where these types of actions take place,” San Diego chairman Andrew Vassiliadis said in a statement. “The Loyal in our name is symbolic of the diversity in our community and as a club we will not stand for this.”
According to the Loyal, the slur was directed toward midfielder Elijah Martin, who is Black. Martin was sent off in the 89th minute of the match in question after receiving a red card. Galaxy II scored the equalizer two minutes later.
“We don’t even want to recognize being a part of a match where these types of actions take place.”
Our full statement below regarding the racial slur that was directed at our player in the Sept. 23rd match.#SDLoyal | #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/bwIr50ToFy— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) September 25, 2020
Ontiveros made 33 appearances for the Galaxy II since joining the club last year.
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