Inter Miami's win over DC United was overshadowed by an accusation of racism as Phil Neville's MLS outfit threatened to walk off and not finish the game.
Jamaican international Damion Lowe was the target of an alleged slur said by Taxi Fountas, who was immediately hauled off by boss Wayne Rooney after he held talks with opposite number Neville. The Greek star is among DC's leading lights, their top scorer this season, but his manager's decision to take him off earned huge praise from his former Everton teammate.
DeAndre Yedlin said “Damion and another player got into a bit of a scuffle,” and that as Lowe walked away, “one of their guys called him the N-word.” Inter Miami boss Neville and his players were prepared to forfeit the game after the alleged slur.
Neville said: "I would have given up the result to make a stand."
He also added on Rooney: “I’ve always known him as a class act, and [Sunday] in my estimation he did more than any goal he’s ever scored” after he took Fountas out of the game.
He also went on to say: “We need to address an issue that maybe in the past was swept under the carpet, but we’re a club that is proud of our diversity and inclusion in our staff and supporters, and there is no place at all for racism on a football field or society."
He also said: “A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world.”
Rooney remained relatively coy when questioned on the situation after the game, stating: "There was a complaint, which I’m sure will get investigated. Not much more I can say.”
The allegations overshadowed what was a crucial win for the Florida-based outfit, co-owned by David Beckham, who secured the three points thanks to a stoppage time goal from Gonzalo Higuain, which keeps their play-off hopes alive.
Former Premier League marksman Christian Benteke had opened the scoring for DC United in the first-half.
Leonardo Campana, on loan in Miami from Wolves, then grabbed a brace to put his side ahead before Fountas levelled the contest. He would be involved in a clash with Lowe just after the hour, with both players receiving yellow cards. Just moments later Lowe was then alleged subjected to the racist slur.
D.C. United addressed the situation after the game: “D.C. United are aware of the allegations involving a player during the match against Inter Miami CF. The club will work closely with Major League Soccer and Inter Miami to investigate the incident.”
MLS also announced that "an investigation will begin promptly.”
