New England Revolution Alleges Racial Slur by Philadelphia Union Defender Kai Wagner
The New England Revolution has filed a complaint with Major League Soccer (MLS) accusing Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner of using a racial slur against Revs striker Bobby Wood. Multiple sources familiar with the situation have confirmed that MLS is currently conducting a review of the allegations. The sources have requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The New England Revolution has chosen not to comment on the issue, while the Philadelphia Union could not be reached for comment. In response to the allegations, MLS released a statement saying, “MLS is aware of the allegation that a player used discriminatory language toward an opposing player, and a review of the matter is underway. The League has been working with the MLS Players Association and Black Players for Change on a process to address these types of allegations and will have no further comment during the pendency of the review.”
According to the complaint, the incident occurred during the closing moments of New England’s playoff game against Philadelphia on Sunday night. The match was already tense, and in the 87th minute, Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni fouled Union defender Nathan Harriel, resulting in a yellow card. Video footage showed players from both teams exchanging words, including Wagner and Wood.
Sources claim that Wagner, who is German, directed a racial slur at Wood in German at that point. Wood is fluent in German and has spent a significant portion of his career playing in Germany. Players and coaches from the Revolution immediately alerted match officials about the alleged slur, and it was documented in referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere’s post-match report.
The sources reveal that the racial slur Wagner allegedly used against Wood was historically directed towards Asian people. Wood is of Japanese and African American descent. This incident is not the first instance of alleged racial abuse in Major League Soccer this year. In July, D.C. United forward Taxi Fountas was accused of using a racial slur against his teammate Nigel Robertha. The league’s investigation into the allegation was not completed as Fountas and United mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Additionally, earlier in the season, New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir was suspended for six games for using a racial slur against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Wagner, 26, is currently in the final year of his contract with the Philadelphia Union and is likely to leave the club at the end of the year. He has attracted interest from clubs in Germany and the UK. Wagner has been a key player for the Union, making the All-Star squad in 2021 and 2022 and being selected for the MLS Best XI in 2022. However, he has openly expressed frustration with his salary and the Union’s reluctance to increase his compensation.
The allegations of racial slurs in professional sports are deeply concerning and highlight the need for continued efforts to combat discrimination and promote inclusivity. Major League Soccer’s commitment to addressing these types of allegations is commendable, and it is crucial that a thorough investigation is conducted to ensure a fair resolution.
The outcome of MLS’s review will have significant implications for both Kai Wagner and Bobby Wood, as well as for the league as a whole. It is essential that appropriate actions are taken if the allegations are substantiated, sending a strong message that racism has no place in sports.
As fans and supporters of the beautiful game, we must continue to stand against all forms of discrimination and work towards creating an environment where every player feels safe, respected, and valued.