Red Bulls’ Dante Vanzeir has been suspended for racist remarks but should coach Gerhard Struber have been as well?
If one sport has tried to work toward removing the specter of racism from the game, it’s soccer. That’s precisely why when it rears its ugly head, there is zero tolerance.
The MLS took the decision to suspend the player, who for his part accepted his punishment without protest, before offering what appeared to be a sincere apology for his actions. One can only hope, that the situation serves as a reminder that there is still much work to be done in the fight against prejudice.
MLS suspends Red Bulls’ Dante Vanzeir for racist comments
According to an announcement from MLS, Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir has been suspended for six regular season games after he was found to have used a racist remark during a game against San Jose on Sunday. To be clear, Vanzeir will also be absent for exhibition games, which include the upcoming Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and the MLS Next Pro games while he serves his suspension. In addition to his suspension, Vanzeir was also fined an undisclosed amount and will now be required to participate in league-mandated training and education sessions, as well as a restorative practices program.
While it is not clear what Vanzeir said, video of the incident clearly demonstrates that the Belgian forward’s words crossed the line as can be seen from not only the reaction of the recipient, San Jose forward Jeremy Ebobisse, but players from both sides as well. Indeed, it was Ebobisse himself who accused Vanzeir of using a “racial remark” during the second half of the game, which in turn led to a stoppage of approximately 18 minutes. Though Vanzeir took to the field once again after play resumed, he was removed from the game some 15 minutes later.
The Red Bulls & Dante Vanzeir issue apologies
To his credit, Vanzeir apologized to San Jose on Tuesday before stating that he would fully accept any punishment that the league administers. “I accept full responsibility for my actions. While I did not intend to cause any harm or offense with my language, I know that I did and for that I am deeply sorry,” Vanzeir said as part of his apology. “I will use this opportunity to better myself, reflect and dedicate my time and efforts to work with organizations that tackle racial injustice.”
Interestingly, Red Bulls coach, Gerhard Struber, came in for criticism for failing to immediately remove his player from the field following the incident. Indeed, the 24-year-old was kept on the field of play until the 87th minute before Struber - despite pleas from opposing players - decided to take him off. To that end the club itself also issued an apology alongside that of Vanzeir’s. Yet, it’s worth noting that the statement released on the coach’s behalf did not include the words “apology” nor “sorry” which as one can imagine only adds further fuel to the fire. “’During our match on Saturday, I made a decision that I thought was best given the information I had at that moment. While there was a lot of uncertainty at the time, with the information that I now know, the right decision would have been to immediately remove Dante Vanzeir from the game,’ the statement read in part. To clear, Struber has not been sanctioned for his part in the situation.