MLS star issues furious denial after being banned for alleged racial slur of rival player

Minnesota United midfielder Joseph Rosales has been suspended by MLS for the alleged use of discriminatory language in a match against the Vancouver Whitecaps in April.

However, the player denies that he used any discriminatory language and disagreed with the league’s suspension.

The match on April 27 saw the two sides engaged in a heated conversation before play continued without a stoppage.

While Rosales’ name was rumored to be involved, neither the Whitecaps nor Minnesota United confirmed the involvement of either the offending player or the victim in requests for clarification from DailyMail.com.

Now, on Wednesday, Minnesota United confirmed that the 24-year-old Honduran had been suspended for three games due to violation of MLS’s Joint Non-Discrimination Policy.

Both the club and Rosales released statements after the decision was handed down.

Rosales’ statement reads: ‘I am addressing the recent three-game suspension issued by the League. I want to be clear: I did not use any discriminatory language.

‘However, I acknowledge that my actions contributed to escalating tensions on the field, and for that, I sincerely apologize to the opposing player and to everyone affected.

‘While I disagree with the League’s decision to suspend me because I believe it was based on a misinterpretation, I respect their process and their commitment to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

‘I have always taken this situation seriously and am committed to doing everything I can to support a respectful, inclusive game.’ 

The club’s statement said, ‘MNUFC is aware of and accepts the League’s decision to suspend Joseph Rosales for violating the MLS-MLSPA Joint Non-Discrimination POlicy. The League concluded that Rosales used discriminatory language against an opposing player.

‘While both MNUFC and Rosales acknowledge that the opposing player believed he heard discriminatory language, was negatively impacted, and expressed his concern in good faith, Rosales adamantly denies using discriminatory language. After speaking extensively with Rosales and several members of our team, our club believes and supports him.’

The statement continued: ‘Although he denies using language that violated the joint policy, Rosales has taken full accountability for his role in escalating on-field tensions during the match. 

‘He is committed to participating in any steps the League recommends to continue strengthening and reinforcing a culture of respect and accountability across the League.

‘Combating discrimination in all forms is a core value of our club. MNUFC will continue working with the League, our players and our broader community to uphold the standards of respect, equality, inclusion and accountability.’ 

The club then confirmed the three matches Rosales would miss: two league matches against Houston Dynamo and St. Louis City as well as another game against St. Louis in the Round of 16 for the US Open Cup.

Rosales will be eligible to return for a league game against Austin FC on May 24.

MLS implemented a new Anti-Discrimination Policy ahead of the 2024 season, which the league said was the first of its kind in American professional sports, ‘in that it is centered on restorative practices, prioritizing education, prevention, training and cultural awareness.’

Per the policy, players involved in a discriminatory incident will ‘have the opportunity to speak confidentially with a trained facilitator’ who will have a ‘formal role in evaluating the situation and offering a proposed restorative plan when appropriate.’

‘Thorough’ investigations into these incidents involve assessments of audio and video footage, a review of the match report, and interviews with witnesses.

The policy states that the commissioner has the authority to issue discipline ‘if it is determined that a violation occurred.’

However, if the player accepts responsibility and agrees to engage in a ‘restorative plan’ they will face ‘less severe discipline than if he denies committing the act and is found, based on all the evidence, to have been untruthful or misleading.’ 

MLS is one of the more nationally diverse leagues in the world and has suffered from multiple notable racist incidents over the past few years.

The most prominent example involved New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir using a racial slur against San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse during an April 2023 match.

Vanzeir was suspended for six games. That punishment was subsequently protested by the Red Bulls fans, who believed it was too light. 

Over the summer, Vanzeir transferred back to his native Belgium and club KAA Gent.