Major League Soccer said Thursday that it will open an investigation into the alleged use of racist language by Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen.
The Athletic published a story claiming that Hansen has a history of racially charged remarks during his time as club owner.
The league statement read: “We are deeply concerned about the allegations made in a report published this evening about language used by and the behavior of Real Salt Lake owner Dell Loy Hansen. Major League Soccer has zero tolerance for this type of language or behavior and will immediately begin an investigation. “
The announcement by MLS picks up a tumultuous day for Hansen, who came under fire for comments about players’ boycott games on Wednesday to address racial injustice. Hansen expressed his dissatisfaction with the players’ actions, calling it a sign of “disrespect” and making him question “how much I want to invest in the team.”
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Players from around MLS refused to play on Wednesday in protest of racial injustice and, in particular, the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, by police on Sunday in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Two protesters were killed two days later in the city. The development came when players in both the NBA and WNBA refused to play in support of Black Lives Matter, as well as to protest against the shooting in Kenosha.
Speaking to KXRK’s Radio From Hell on Thursday morning, Hansen – who owns the station – expressed his dissatisfaction with the players’ actions, saying “they clearly support national issues, but it is very clear that they do not support our local community. “and” there is a deep disappointment that the spirit that is Real was abandoned last night. … Of course, the importance of bringing community together at COVID was not respected. “
RSL’s match against LAFC was one of five matches postponed on Wednesday.
Hansen, who also owns NWSL’s Utah Royals FC, as well as USL Championship Real Monarchs, said, “like someone stabbed you and you’re trying to figure out a way to pull the knife and moving forward. That’s what it feels like. The disrespect is deep to me personally. “
Hansen threatened not to reopen Rio Tinto Stadium and to withdraw his money from the club.
“It has taken a lot of wind out of my sails, what an effort I want to make to recruit players and build a great team. It just seems like that is not a very good path to take,” Hansen said.
Hansen said he is a proponent of progressive agenda and of RSL as an inclusive club, but said what took place was a “deep blow to the structure of community values” and that the actions of the players did not support the city or the organization. He said they were instead supporting a national issue.
RSL’s Rio Tinto Stadium was operating at a reduced capacity of about 5,000 fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Hansen said he had recently brought back furloughed staff to work on game days. But as a result of what happened Wednesday, Hansen said he will not invite fans to the stadium in the future.
“We are not going to invite fans back in the future, so tomorrow I will start cutting 40 to 50 jobs again.”
Speaking later Thursday on ESPN 700 in Salt Lake City (also owned by Hansen), he retracted his initial remarks about the protests, saying, “The intentions of the players were probably misinterpreted on my part.”
Hansen added that he spoke with MLS commissioner Don Garber with apologies.
Commenting on Hansen’s comments on the protests, Garber said: “I appreciate Dell Loy Hansen’s efforts to build Utah football. His commitment to MLS, the NWSL and the USL, as well as the youth game, has However, I do not agree with the comments he made today and the way they were expressed, they do not reflect the views of MLS.
“This is a time for all of us to work together in the pursuit of racial equality and social justice. Major League Soccer and all of its clubs will continue to support and create initiatives that bring about real change.”
MLS followed up that statement with the one about Hansen’s alleged use of racist remarks.
NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird also spoke out against Hansen.
“Dell Loy Hansen’s comments regarding player protests are in conflict with the values of the NWSL,” Baird said in a statement. “Black Lives Matter, racism in this country is real, and we must all continue the critically important work to tackle racial injustice in our country.”
RSL defender Nedum Onuoha told the BBC that, “I do not want to be here because I am not here to play for someone who is not here to support us.
“We’re trying to make a bigger conversation, but a lot of the people who are in power have no empathy or sympathy or do anything. They’m more concerned about themselves.”
USMNT star Jozy Altidore and former RSL player Nick Rimando were also among the players criticized by Hansen on Thursday for his initial remarks.
“He needs to sell the team then. I’m involved with a group that is ready to buy it. Time for change,” he said. twitter Altidore.
Retired RSL goalkeeper Rimando, who spent 20 years at MLS, said Hansen’s comments did not reflect the club.
“Wow just wow! I can not agree now. @Realsaltlake locker room, fans, and front office who stand for equality, human rights, and the fight against racism I applaud you. I am disgusted by DLH comments. This is more than a game, ” he tweeted.
Utah Jazz player Donovan Mitchell also expressed his support for the players’ decision on Wednesday night and stated that Hansen would consider selling the club. “WOW … if it’s ‘the wind’ removed, sell the team … I stand with @realsaltlake players,” Mitchell twitter.
On Thursday, the NBA players announced that they will play again on Friday. Neither MLS nor the players’ association have commented on when games will start again.
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