Vancouver Whitecaps player the target of alleged on-field discrimination
The Vancouver Whitecaps match on Sunday was marred by an apparent violation of MLS’s anti-discrimination policy.
The Whitecaps beat Minnesota United 3-1 to extend their lead atop the MLS table, but the lasting story after the game was an incident that appeared to involve Minnesota player Joseph Rosales and Whitecaps forward Emmanuel Sabbi.
The two players got in an altercation during extra time near the end of the game. Sabbi was visibly upset, and his Whitecaps teammate Sebastian Berhalter also seemed animated. Berthaler appeared to attempt to explain the situation to referee Drew Fischer.
Fischer separated everyone involved and then spoke to both coaches and captains, seemingly invoking the first steps of the league’s anti-discrimination policy.
Rosales’ comments are “believed to be racial in nature,” per the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Andy Greder. They were categorized as an alleged slur by The Minnesota Star Tribune’s Jon Marthaler.
“You never want to see any of that situation happen at all,” Minnesota forward Tani Oluwaseyi explained post-game. “I didn’t hear anything. The guys around me didn’t hear anything. It comes down to two guys there. One guy said he said it. The other guy says he doesn’t.
“Being Black myself, it’s always not a pleasant situation, but the league has a way of dealing with these things… There is going to be a process.”
There was no card or penalty given to Rosales, and play continued. Tensions remained high over the final few minutes, and Rosales reportedly shoved a Whitecaps player in the tunnel after the game, per Merthaler.
The Whitecaps, Minnesota, and MLS all published statements about the incident following the conclusion of the match. They acknowledged it was related to discrimination, and all parties condemned harassment or discrimination in the game of soccer.
“Vancouver Whitecaps FC is aware of an on-field incident involving one of our players and an allegation of a violation of the league’s non-discrimination policy,” said the Whitecaps statement.
“Harassment or discriminatory behaviour has no place in our sport, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC condemns all forms of harassment or discrimination. From players and staff, to supporters, we will always stand together.”
MLS and the MLSPA have collaborated to develop the current anti-discrimination policy, which took effect last season. It includes stringent education plans for offenders involved in these situations, as well as possible punishment which can be handed out by the commissioner.
“I think the league’s got a really clear process for how those types of instances are dealt with,” added Minnesota manager Eric Ramsay. “Obviously, it’s almost impossible for coaches to comment on something that’s happened miles away and largely for all the players as well, I think it’s one of those instances that will fall into the league’s wider process, I’m sure there will be an investigation.”