Philadelphia Union’s Kai Wagner was suspended for three games after admitting to using racial slurs
When Major League Soccer interviewed Kai Wagner on October 28 about the racial slur directed at Bobby Wood, the Philadelphia Union defender admitted to the offense.
On Tuesday afternoon, the league announced its decision to suspend Wagner for the next three games.
Union currently leads 1-0 in its playoff series against the New England Revolution. Wagner is suspended for Game 2 on November 8th and possibly Game 3 on November 12th.
If Philadelphia wins its next game and advances to the Eastern Conference semifinals, Wagner would miss games in that series. And if Union loses the next two games and cancels the season, Wagner will serve the rest of his suspension next season.
In addition, Wagner must continue to participate in the training and development events required by the MLS.
“In making this decision,” the league said in a statement, “MLS considered many factors, including Wagner’s immediate acceptance of responsibility for the violation, his willingness to engage in a process to redress the harm caused, and his cooperation with the league .” Investigation.”
During the Union and Revolution game a week ago, Wagner is said to have said a German word that was racist against Asians.
Wood is of African-American and Japanese descent, but understood what Wagner was saying because he has spoken German since his playing days in the country. The incident occurred in the 86th minute of Game 1 after New England forward Giacomo Vrioni fouled Philadelphia defenseman Nathan Harriel.
Wood and Wagner were seen on video in a heated argument as players from both sides began pushing and shoving each other.
Wagner, who spent five seasons with Philadelphia and was a two-time All-Star during that time, is in the final year of his contract with the club.
