CONCACAF has opened an investigation right into a derogatory remark allegedly made by Los Angeles FC defender Sergi Palencia in the direction of Chidozie Awaziem of the Colorado Rapids throughout their CONCACAF Champions Cup match on Tuesday evening.
Play was stopped late within the second half after Awaziem was seen pleading with referee Pierre-Luc Lauzière. Awaziem, match officers, each staff captains and each coaches gathered to debate the scenario. Play resumed, and after the ultimate whistle Awaziem started chatting with Palencia.
Rapids head coach Chris Armas defined afterward that Awaziem claimed he was the goal of a “derogatory time period” aimed toward him by Palencia.
“There was an incident that occurred on the sector,” . “Our participant, Chidoze Awaziem, was fairly clear and upset at a derogatory time period that [Palencia] stated. [Awaziem] was clear about what was stated. Our membership, myself, we’re totally behind our participant to assist him with an investigation into what precisely what went down. He was visibly upset.”
Steve Cherundolo, LAFC’s head coach, confirmed to reporters that Awaziem claimed he heard a phrase “that bothered him.”
“[Awaziem] thought that it was directed in the direction of him,” Cherundolo stated. “I don’t know what straight what was stated. I used to be on the sideline. I’m certain the referees will write a report after which we’ll determine it out from there. If gamers hear one thing they usually can’t play, we wish to assist the gamers. We’ll let the referees and CONCACAF determine that out.”
CONCACAF launched an announcement on Wednesday saying that that the group has opened an investigation into the incident.
“The investigation will contain a radical evaluate of the match officers’ studies, obtainable match footage, and the respective positions of each golf equipment.”
The Rapids launched an announcement supporting CONCACAF’s investigation.
“The Colorado Rapids totally assist Concacaf’s ongoing investigation into the reported use of abusive language by an LAFC participant throughout final evening’s match at BMO Stadium.
“As a membership, we don’t tolerate any type of abuse, and we stand with our gamers following these very critical allegations. This language has no place in our sport.”
The sport led to a however LAFC superior to the CONCACAF Champions Cup spherical of 16 as a result of away-goals rule over the 2 legs.
LAFC will subsequent face the Columbus Crew within the competitors with the primary leg happening on March 4 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles.