The New York Red Bulls academy has withdrawn from the GA Cup, citing multiple incidents of racism as the reason. The decision came after their U15 team, which was in the quarterfinals today, chose not to play due to what they described as an 'extreme lack of action' by MLS Next in addressing the issue. RBNY U17 goalkeeper Joshua Grant and Eric Tai were racially abused by players from Monterrey and Hajduk Split, respectively, with the latest incident occurring during a match they lost to Hajduk Split. Following these events, the New York Red Bulls officially announced their withdrawal and criticized MLS for its handling of the situation. MLS Next has since taken action by investigating and suspending the players involved in the racial slurs and required all staff to review anti-discriminatory policies and banned terms before the tournament.
From @TheAthleticFC: Players from Philadelphia Union and CF Flamengo under-17 teams were suspended and the Brazilian side withdrawn from a youth tournament run by MLS after a series of incidents during and after their semi-final. https://t.co/muCaOXFNrP
BREAKING: Flamengo U17s will not participate in the 3rd place game at the GA Cup after incidents with the Philadelphia Union. Two Flamengo players received red cards for banned terms. Two days after RBNY left tournament due to alleged racist abuse. https://t.co/W6vNexz6jg
New York Red Bulls withdraw teams from youth tournament due to alleged racial abuse MORE: https://t.co/assFeNe0uH https://t.co/2xFe39xQvT
New York Red Bulls withdraw from youth tourney over two alleged on-field racist incidents, hitting out at MLS for an 'extreme lack of action' https://t.co/WCEDOzelQE https://t.co/q0ziiDljFn
Story is updated with official statements from the New York Red Bulls and MLS, as well as some background into how the league handled the incidents. https://t.co/NiGWI1qYyd
New York Red Bulls make it official and release a statement. Also, per source, I'm told the league took action to investigate and suspend players involved in racial slurs. MLS Next also required all staffs to review anti-discriminatory policies + banned terms before tournament. https://t.co/NiGWI1qYyd
Latest incident happened yesterday when the New York Red Bulls U17s lost to Hajduk Split. Hajduk Split currently set to still play in quarterfinals today. https://t.co/NiGWI1qYyd
RBNY U17 GK Joshua Grant last night: “Why do colored players like myself continue to be called monkeys by int’l teams? Today the same thing happened to my teammate. Please do something.” Grant was racially abused by Monterrey player. Eric Tai racially abused by Hajduk Split https://t.co/NiGWI1qYyd
BREAKING: New York Red Bulls academy has decided to leave the GA Cup after being victim to multiple incidents of racism, per sources. U15s were in the quarterfinals today. Won’t play. Players alleged "extreme lack of action" by MLS Next last night. https://t.co/tnpOILa34R