New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir has been handed a six-game suspension by Major League Soccer (MLS) for making racist remarks towards San Jose Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse in a match between both teams last weekend.
Vanzeir issued an apology for his actions on Tuesday and said he would step away from the club until further notice to avoid distractions.
Major League Soccer also announced the 24-year-old Belgian has been handed an unspecified fine and would require him to participate in mandatory educative sessions and a restorative practices programme.
“Major League Soccer has suspended New York Red Bulls forward Dante Vanzeir for six MLS regular-season games for the use of racist language during the New York Red Bulls match against the San Jose Earthquakes on April 8, 2023,” read a statement on the MLS website.
“Vanzeir is prohibited from participating in the US Open Cup, MLS NEXT Pro games and exhibition matches until the suspension is completed.
“MLS is working with both clubs and the MLS Players Association to provide impacted players and staff with support and resources, and is committed to continuing to review and improve its in-game protocol.”
Red Bulls coach Gerhard Struber has not received a fine or suspension from MLS. The Austrian tactician failed to remove Vanzeir immediately after the incident in the game, despite being asked to do so by San Jose coach Luchi Gonzalez. He has since apologised for his actions and acknowledged he should have substituted Vanzeir at that point.
Vanzeir’s suspension will see him miss league games against Houston Dynamo, CF Montreal, Chicago Fire, Philadelphia Union, rivals New York City FC and Toronto FC. He will be back in a home time against Montreal on May 20.
The Red Bulls seat in 11th place on the MLS Eastern Conference standings with seven points after seven games.
