San Diego Loyal walks off pitch after Phoenix Rising player allegedly uses homophobic slur
PHOENIX - The Phoenix Rising's match with the San Deigo Loyal came to an early end on the night of Sept. 30 after a member of the Phoenix team allegedly used a homophobic slur towards an opposing player.
The Loyal walked off the pitch in protest after they say a member of the Phoenix team directed a homophobic slur at one of its players.
The Rising claim there was confusion around a red card that was issued to a San Diego player.
Neither team identified the player accused of making the comment, but Rising player Junior Flemmings posted on Twitter that he was wrongly accused of using the slur.
The Rising also said they stand with the USL in rejecting and punishing any homophobic behavior.
The two teams released a joint statement on Oct. 3.
Yesterday, the ownership groups of San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC met to discuss the unfortunate events of this past Wednesday evening and pledged to work together to ensure that this moment could be used by all involved to teach, build, and ultimately make our sport, our league, and our communities better, more compassionate places.
To help foster a greater sense of understanding and empathy towards one another, as well as to bring awareness to the realities of conscious and unconscious biases, the clubs have committed to working together towards the development of educational programs where players, staff and supporters will meet to share their backgrounds and life experiences.
“Prejudiced language and bigotry has no place in sport or anywhere else for that matter,” said Berke Bakay, Governor of Phoenix Rising FC. “The on-field events of Wednesday’s match could not be more contrary to the values of our organization. Bringing both clubs together to fight prejudice will undoubtedly lead to great things. We look forward to the implementation of these educational programs and hope that they can serve as a model for our league.”
"We’ve received affirmation and an outpouring of support following our actions these last two matches," said Warren Smith, Co-Founder and President of SD Loyal SC. "The purpose of our stand was to raise awareness, spread love and eliminate hate in all forms. We believe in second chances and look forward to working with Phoenix Rising on productive ways we can forgive, educate, and grow from these moments."
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