Red Bulls’ Dante Vanzeir Apologizes for Racist Remark vs. Earthquakes

The Belgian forward said he would accept any punishment issued by Major League Soccer, which is currently investigating the incident.

The New York Red Bulls and Dante Vanzeir have issued an apology for the forward’s use of a racial slur in Saturday’s MLS game against the San Jose Earthquakes. 

The incident occurred in the 54th minute Saturday as Earthquakes forward Jeremy Ebobisse reacted to something Vanzeir had said during play. After the game was stopped for nearly 15 minutes, Ebobisse later said the team only continued to play “because the player who said the word claimed it was not aimed at any of us.”

Vanzeir, a 24-year-old Belgian international who joined the Red Bulls in February, said he would accept “any suspension, fine and counseling that is handed down by Major League Soccer and the club.”

“I want to sincerely apologize to the players of the Earthquakes,” Vanzeir said in a statement. “I will do everything I can to be part of the change that needs to happen in this sport and our world. I also want to apologize to my teammates, coaches, the organization and our fans. I made a mistake and will take all the necessary steps to grow.

“I accept full responsibility for my actions. While I did not intend to cause any harm or offense with my language, I know that I did and for that I am deeply sorry. … I will use this opportunity to better myself, reflect and dedicate my time and efforts to work with organizations that tackle racial injustice.”

In a statement, Red Bulls manager Gerhard Struber said he regretted not subbing Vanzeir off after being lobbied by Earthquakes manager Luchi Gonzalez to remove the forward from the match. 

“During our match on Saturday, I made a decision that I thought was best given the information I had at that moment,” Struber said. “While there was a lot of uncertainty at the time, with the information that I now know, the right decision would have been to immediately remove Dante Vanzeir from the game.”

On Sunday, MLS announced it is conducting a formal investigation into the incident.