FC Dallas walks off due to racist language

by J.R. Eskilson

September 28, 2021

According to a report from Buzz Carrick at 3rddegree.net, FC Dallas U15 (2007) walked off the field on Friday (September 24) following the alleged use of racist language by a Colorado Rapids academy player during an MLS Next game. Neither academy nor MLS Next has commented on the report at this point.

FC Dallas’ U14 (2008) also walked off the field during their game against the Rapids in support of the U15 squad. Carrick does not state when in the game the players walked off the field.

FC Dallas Academy coach Alex Aldaz told his team to walk off the field after previous racist incidents during last season.

MLS Next officials stated there is an ongoing investigation in regards to a similar incident from last season between FC Dallas and Real Colorado. Carrick also reports there was a similar incident between San Jose Earthquakes and FC Dallas in the MLS Next playoffs last season in the 2006 age group.

Sad day - Multiple players from @RealColoSoccer U14s using #racist slurs against @FCDallas players. Not addressed during as ref let the @MLSNEXT game play on. For the parents who tried to insist it’s “part of the game” - no Sir, we must be better! #dotherightthing
— Eyestone (@eyestone_tx) May 2, 2021

MLS Next announced in March a series of initiatives to combat racism, hate, and discrimination. The league’s ability to handle these incidents needs to be under scrutiny considering the lack of action so far.