A soccer match between the San Diego Loyal and Phoenix Rising ended abruptly after a Phoenix player allegedly uttered a homophobic slur against an openly gay player on the other team.
The incident happened on Wednesday night during a USL Championship league match between the two teams. Phoenix midfielder Junior Flemmings reportedly aimed the slur at Collin Martin, a San Diego midfielder who publicly came out as gay back in 2018 while playing for Minnesota United.
According to the Athletic’s Jeff Rueter, Flemmings called Martin a “batty boy,” a slur used in Jamaica to demean and belittle gay men.
After the incident, the entire San Diego team took a knee at the start of the second half of the game in solidarity with Martin and then walked off the field and ended the game, according to CBS Sports.
Landon Donovan to Phoenix Rising coach Rick Schantz: “What do you mean this isn’t a big deal? We have to get this out of our game.”
Full video, with better audio quality, can be viewed here: https://t.co/MEiwlkYO3z https://t.co/r1xAsJ6hs7 pic.twitter.com/oo0CoQ8a3y
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) October 1, 2020
“In the first half a member of Phoenix Rising used a homophobic slur directed at Collin Martin. In response we have decided to walk off the pitch in protest,” the team said in a Wednesday night tweet. “Last week we made it loud and clear that we do not stand for racism or homophobia. Nothing has changed this week.”
Last week we made it loud and clear that we do not stand for racism or homophobia. Nothing has changed this week. ?️?✊? #AllBlackLivesMatter
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020
The Washington Examiner reached out to Martin for comment about the incident.
Flemmings released a statement after the game denying he made the slur.
“This accusation is false and my fellow teammates will support my claim,” he said. “In the 45th minute, the referee issued a red card to Collin Martin. The San Diego defense then attempted to persuade the referee’s decision and convince him he made a mistake. San Diego claimed that I made a homophobic slur towards Collin Martin with no evidence to support the claim. The referee was then mobbed by the San Diego Loyal players and head coach on the field.”
“I am disappointed by San Diego’s actions this evening as I have been mauled and ridiculed online with no opportunity to defend myself,” Flemmings continued. “I stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ movement.”
San Diego’s manager, the former U.S. men’s team captain, Landon Donovan was captured on camera arguing with Phoenix head coach Rick Schantz and team officials about how to move forward prior to Donovan’s team leaving in protest.
@PHXRisingFC pic.twitter.com/IIzmNJ1pY7
— Rick Schantz (@RickSchantz1) October 1, 2020
“At the start of halftime of the Phoenix Rising FC match with San Diego Loyal SC, I was heard on video asking San Diego’s Head Coach Landon Donovan how long he has been part of soccer,” Schantz wrote on Twitter. “My question was in reference to Donovan’s behavior on the field with the referee, and in no way was I excusing any alleged homophobic behavior from my players.”
The USL Championship league released a statement noting that it had opened up an investigation into the matter.
“We are aware of the alleged use of a homophobic slur in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC,” the USL said. “Foul and abusive language of any type has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches.”
“An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as soon as it is available,” the league’s statement added.
