Multiple New York Red Bulls supporters groups boycotted their home clash against Houston Dynamo on Saturday night, following a racial incident that occurred the previous week against San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS.
After protests were made prior to Saturday's kick off by Red Bulls groups Empire SC, Torcida 96 and Viking Army on behalf of the South Ward section of the stadium, the Red Bull Arena was visibly emptier than usual. Red Bulls striker Dante Vanzeir has been handed a six-game suspension following a racial remark made towards Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse, but the fans made their feelings known that they feel the ban did not go far enough.
The game last week was halted for 15 minutes after Ebobisse made the serious allegation, but Red Bulls head coach Gerhard Struber proceeded to leave Vanzeir on the field after play resumed. The Red Bulls fans want their coach to be sacked, and are seeking further punishment for Vanzeir.
"The South Ward is unified in our desire to protest in reaction to the racial abuse that occurred during the match on April 8, as well as the inadequate response put forward by the New York Red Bulls and Major League Soccer," a joint statement between the groups read. "It is the position of the South Ward that we will not provide active, in-stadium support at Red Bull Arena until Dante Vanzeir and Gerhard Struber are justly punished and held accountable for their actions.
"While Dante has received a six-match suspension from Major League Soccer, we do not feel this is enough. MLS has failed to live up to its policy of "Zero Tolerance" towards racism. We call on MLS to re-evaluate their findings and set a precedent that racism in any form will not be tolerated.
"We disagree by the lack of punishment by MLS and RBNY for Gerhard Struber. His actions during and after this incident are unacceptable. We call for Jochen Schneider to dismiss Gerhard immediately.
"Our protests begins this Saturday. We call on everyone at Red Bull Arena to join us in walking out the stadium at kick-off. We also call for a boycott of all concessions and merchandise stands, and for donations on what you would have spent in-stadium to be directed to Black Players for Change, an organisation that is committed to tackling racial injustice, inequality and inequity.
"We plan to continue protesting RBNY and MLS until our conditions are met or we feel the organisation has made meaningful and acceptable changes." The Red Bulls released a series of statements on Tuesday, after details of the racial remark emerged.
"The New York Red Bulls wholeheartedly apologise for the unacceptable events that transpired on Saturday night during the match with the San Jose Earthquakes," their statement read. "The words and inaction was inexcusable, and we believe there is never a place for it.
"We always strive for an environment that is inclusive and anti-racist. Our organisation is committed to providing the resources to further educate our players and staff, as well as rebuilding trust within our community."
Vanzeir also apologised, as a statement issued on his behalf read: "I want to sincerely apologise to the players of the Earthquakes. I will do everything I can to be part of the change that needs to happen in this sport and our world.
"I also want to apologise to my teammates, coaches, the organisation and our fans. I made a mistake and will take all the necessary steps to grow. 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.
"I will agree to any suspension, fine and counselling that is handed down by Major League Soccer and the club. I will use this opportunity to better myself, reflect and dedicate my time and efforts to work with organisations that tackle racial injustice."
Coach Struber also said sorry for keeping the player on the field, as he said: "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."
But the fans are not happy with the six-game suspension for Vanzeir, and feel that more needs to be done due to the severity of the incident. Their protests are gaining traction, and pressure has been placed on the Red Bulls and MLS.
