By landing, Loyal stopped the match and ended his chances of reaching the playoffs.
In previous football players and teams have spoken of walking off the pitch when confronted with homophobic or racist abuse, but Loyal’s active stance in competitive sports is rare.
According to the club, the alleged misconduct was directed at midfielder Colin Martin, as he was issued a red card at the end of the first half, with Loyal leading 3–1 in the second-tier USL Championship. The red card was later canceled.
Loyal’s players returned after the break but left when the referee blew his whistle.
‘We have to act’
The Wednesday incident comes after an alleged racial slur aimed at another San Diego player against Loyal Galaxy was canceled by Loyal last week.
The Galaxy and the player accused the comment of “partially agreeing to agree” according to a club statement.
“I know how hard it was for them to see what had happened tonight, and then it was disastrous for me to happen again a week later.
“Our friends, to their huge debt, said we were not going to stand for it. They were very clear at that moment that they were giving up all hope of making the playoffs, even if they beat one of the best teams Were. League.
“He said it doesn’t matter. Some other things are important in life and we have to live for the things we believe in.
“If we want us to be true as a club, then we have to speak, and we have to act.”
‘Denied sincerely’
Rising said the club is investigating the claim but its player has strictly denied it “using a slayer”.
The player alleged that he “tampered with” no opportunity to defend himself “and mocked him, saying that he is” in solidarity with the LGBTQ + movement. ”
He wrote on Twitter, “At no point did I say a homophobic slur towards Colin Martin. I don’t know Colin personally, but I respect all of my opponents equally.”
Colin Martin is yet to comment publicly on the incident.
“This inaccurate and derogatory language of any kind has no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches,” it read.
“An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as it becomes available.”
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