West Ham United players walked off the pitch at The Soccer Tournament (TST) in America, after an alleged racial slur was directed towards Frank Nouble.
A Dallas United player is alleged to have used the N-word towards Nouble, who confronted the player. West Ham players then came together to discuss their best course of action. Anton Ferdinand told TST staff, "I am here to set a precedent" as he led his side off the field.
When asked what had happened while leaving the field Ferdinand simply told reporters: "Racism". A West Ham statement read: “The players made a collective decision to walk off the pitch as a team in support of our player. As a club, everyone at West Ham United stands shoulder to shoulder in solidarity against all forms of discrimination and abuse.”
After the game was suspended, tournament organisers carried out an investigation and concluded that Dallas had "violated TST's code of conduct" and would no longer be taking part in the event.
"After conducting an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United violated TST's code of conduct," a statement read.
"We have been in dialogue with leadership from both clubs and we are all aligned that the best path forward is Dallas United withdrawing from competition. All parties involved are unified in wanting to make a statement against racial insensitivity.
"We seek to run an event that is not only fiercely high stakes for all competitors, but also one in which all competitors feel safe and protected."
Dallas have issued their own statement following the events, in which they appeared to claim that leaving the competition is a decision they have made of their own accord.
It said: "In light of the shadow cast by an opposing player's accusation during tonight's match, the Dallas United players unanimously decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.
"Our coaches and staff fully support the team's decision. We thank @TST7v7 for the opportunity to compete in the tournament."
The event, which is taking place in North Carolina, involves 32 teams and will see the winning team take home $1m (£798,000) in prize money. Along with West Ham, the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Wrexham and fellow Premier League outfit Wolves have entered teams.
