Major League Soccer (MLS) has opened an investigation into an allegedly racist comment by Dante Vanzeir. The attacker of New York Red Bulls is said to have spoken racist during the competition match with San Jose Earthquakes (1-1). Vanzeir came over from Union Sint-Gillis for five million euros at the beginning of February and made his basic debut last weekend.
Early in the second half, Vanzeir is said to have shouted something to opponent Jeremy Ebobisse. After the duel, the Earthquakes attacker indicated that it was about the n-word, although he said it was probably not directed at him. Especially Jamiro Monteiro, former midfielder of Heracles Almelo, was very upset. The San Jose players threatened to leave the field, but the game was resumed after a twenty-minute delay.
Jeremy Ebobisse: “A racist remark was said. I don’t believe it was to me — I can feel pretty comfortable saying (that) — but the word was used. From there, anyone can make any inference as to who it was hurled at.” https://t.co/xZM8qOmEu1
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) April 9, 2023
San Jose coach Luchi González indicated after the game that he had asked New York Red Bulls colleague Gerhard Struber to substitute Vanzeir. “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, Struber only took his striker to the side in the 86th minute.
“One of our players (Dante Vanzeir, ed.) Would have made racist comments during the game,” New York Red Bulls wrote in a statement after the game. “We as a club attach great importance to this and have immediately reported this to Major League Soccer and will cooperate with the investigation. New York Red Bulls condemn any form of harassment or discrimination.” The MLS also quickly issued a statement. “We have a zero tolerance policy for offensive language and take these allegations very seriously. An investigation into this incident will be launched soon.”
Ron Jans experienced in the past that the MLS does not treat racist expressions lightly. As a trainer of FC Cincinnati, he sang along with a song in February 2020 that contained the n-word. Cincinnati launched an investigation, but Jans did not want to wait. The coach himself left and then returned to the Netherlands.