CONCACAF has launched an investigation into an incident late in Tuesday’s Champions Cup match between the Colorado Rapids and LAFC in which LAFC defender Sergi Palencia allegedly used a derogatory term toward Rapids defender Chidozie Awaziem.
The incident occurred in the final 10 minutes of the game during a free kick, after which Awaziem immediately went to referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere to inform him of what happened.
After the match, Rapids coach Chris Armas told media members Awaziem was “clear and upset at a derogatory term” used against him by Palencia. The match was stopped for upward of six minutes after the incident. On the broadcast, Awaziem was seen covering his mouth while explaining the situation to teammates, referees and coaches.
In a statement to ESPN, CONCACAF said on Wednesday that it will investigate the incident and that it will “involve a thorough review of the match officials’ reports, available match footage and the respective positions of both clubs.”
Immediately following the match, Awaziem and Palencia had to be separated after another verbal altercation.
The Rapids released a statement of their own Wednesday afternoon:
“The Colorado Rapids fully support CONCACAF’s ongoing investigation into the reported use of abusive language by an LAFC player during last night’s match at BMO Stadium. As a club, we do not tolerate any form of abuse, and we stand with our players following these very serious allegations. This language has no place in our game.”
No party has disclosed what was said, but LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo acknowledged Palencia’s actions after the match and the club released its own statement on Wednesday:
“LAFC is aware of the reported incident during last night’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match and is cooperating fully with the ongoing CONCACAF investigation. LAFC is a club for all and stands against hate in any form. We have spoken with our player about the incident and will continue to respect the investigative process.”
Wednesday evening, Awaziem spoke out in an Instagram post with a statement of his own:
“During last night’s CONCACAF Champions Cup match, I believe I was subjected to abusive language on the field — something I have never experienced from another player before. I immediately reported what I heard to my teammates and the CONCACAF match officials.
“CONCACAF has been clear with its ‘What’s Wrong is Wrong’ campaign that discrimination has no place in our sport. As players, we need to know that these standards are upheld and that we’re protected on the field. My hope is that the governing bodies of the sport continue to hold players and fans accountable for discriminatory language in order to create an environment that protects and respects players of all races and cultural backgrounds.
“I appreciate the support of my club, my teammates and everyone involved as this matter is investigated further. My focus remains on representing my club, my family and standing against all forms of discrimination in our sport.”
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