An unfortunate incident appeared to overshadow NYCFC’s 3-2 win over FC Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
The game, which was held at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey, had to be stopped late in the match by center official Guido Gonzales Jr. due to “discriminatory language” coming from the fans inside the venue, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
According to FC Cincinnati’s team beat reporter, he believed that homophobic chants had come from supporters of NYCFC and were directed at midfielder Luciano Acosta.
He also posted that fans had proceeded to chant “another curse word” toward the FC Cincinnati player.
The delay, which began around the 86th minute, came to an end after the referee spoke with both teams’ sidelines.
An announcement was then made to the Red Bull Arena crowd about the chant.
Play resumed in the 90th minute.
Major League Soccer acknowledged the incident in a statement released late Wednesday night.
“Major League Soccer is aware of an incident at tonight’s New York City FC vs. FC Cincinnati match where a spectator directed a homophobic slur toward a player,” the league said. “MLS unequivocally condemns hate speech of any kind and will not tolerate abusive, derogatory, or threatening comments directed at players, clubs, or anyone associated with the league. MLS is working closely with the clubs and stadium personnel to identify any individuals involved.
“Hate and bigotry have no place in our sport, in our communities, or in society as a whole.”
In a statement of its own FC Cincinnati commended the officials in the match for quickly acting during the incident.
“The club strongly condemns this language and behavior from NYCFC fans, and will always stand behind and support our players,” the team statement read. “The club commends the actions of the players and officials on the field for taking swift action. Abuse has absolutely no place on or off the field, in our league, or in our communities.”
NYCFC has not yet publicly commented on the incident.
