Major League Soccer has suspended Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner for three games after confirming allegations that he directed a racial slur at a New England Revolution player during game one of MLS Cup playoffs.
On October 28, Wagner violated the league’s on-field anti-discrimination policy when using a racial slur at Revs forward Bobby Wood. Though Union prevailed 3-1, Wagner’s actions have cast clouds over the victory.
Wagner, who joined Philadelphia in 2019, will now miss game two against New England on November 8. The suspension also carries over for the Union’s next two contests following game two, either in the playoffs should they progress or into the beginning of the 2024 campaign if they are eliminated before the suspension is completed.
“Wagner is also required to continue to participate in league-mandated education and training sessions, a process which has already begun, and must remain in full compliance with a program directed by a league-appointed restorative practices expert,” a league statement read.
Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin also confirmed the player will not travel with the team, given the suspension.
Wagner is now the second player to be suspended for violating the on-field anti-discrimination policy, after New York Red Bulls’ Dante Vanzeir served a spell of six games for using a racial slur in a US Open Cup game against the San Jose Earthquakes in April.
The Union and the Revs square off in game two at Gillette Stadium, with Philadelphia on the brink of eliminating New England while the home side are fighting for their playoff lives in front of their supporters.
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