Posted: 09:03, 19 September 2022 | Updated: 09:44, 19 September 2022
MLS has opened an investigation into claims that Taxi Foundas called Damian Lowe the dirty word in DC United’s 3-2 loss to Inter Miami. The nasty altercation between the pair took place in the 62nd minute of the MLS match, with the duo pushing and shoving each other after Jamaica international Lowe was unhappy with the Greek’s challenge. Lowe shouted back at Fouda after using the alleged insult and referee Ismail Elfath then stopped play to speak to both captains. It then took an even more sinister turn in the next four minutes as former Manchester United team-mates Wayne Rooney and Phil Neville gathered on the sidelines to speak to the referee. Neville then called his Inter Miami players to discuss whether they should continue playing, as both players were subsequently booked. Tensions remained high between the pair and they had to be separated for a second time, and after a five-minute stoppage the game finally resumed. DC United boss Rooney then decided to take off Fuda – who minutes earlier had made it 2-2 – the next time the ball went out of play, with the 27-year-old replaced by Miguel Berry. The former Derby County boss praised the Inter Miami boss for his actions, with the latter saying he had “gained more respect” for him “than any goal he had scored before”. MLS has opened an investigation into claims DC United forward Foudas called Inter Miami’s Damian Lowe the n-word. The ugly altercation between the pair happened in the 62nd minute of the MLS match. After the referee spoke to the captains and coaches, Phil Neville called his players to Inter Miami to discuss whether they should continue playing Neville said in his post-match press conference: “It was a racist comment which is unacceptable. The word used is unacceptable in society and is the worst word in the world. “There is absolutely no room for racism on the pitch. The owners agree 100 percent. I have to congratulate my players for their composure. “I have to praise the referee for a really difficult situation. He followed the protocols set by MLS and I have to give Wayne Rooney a huge amount of respect for dealing with it the way he did. “I always knew him as a class act. He has risen further in my estimations than any goal he has ever scored. The players were hurt and disappointed. Lowe (above) and Foundas were both fined by Ismail Elfath for their nasty brawl DC United boss Rooney then decided to take Fuda off the next time the ball went out of play Rooney took the decision despite the Greek having equalized minutes earlier I invited the players because in my previous work with England we had a lot of experiences in some racist countries. “I’m pretty knowledgeable about how to handle these situations. I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of my players as I was tonight.’ Inter Miami defender DeAndre Yedlin, meanwhile, confirmed the players were ready to leave the pitch after the on-pitch meeting with Neville, and said their win didn’t feel like a win despite Gonzalo Higuain’s winner in 94th minute. “If nothing was done, we wouldn’t continue,” he said. “At the end of the day it doesn’t even feel like a victory because of this incredibly dark moment. Neville said he had “earned more respect” for Rooney “than any goal he’s scored before”. “So now we’ll see what MLS does about it. My eyes will be very much on this to see what kind of action they will take, because now it’s up to them to take action and position themselves and show that this not only has no place in the game but it has no place in society.’ In a separate quote carried by MARCA, the former Newcastle full-back added: “It’s something I’ve been talking about honestly for my whole career. “Really unfortunate to see it live. Basically Damion (Lowe) and their player got into a fight and as Damion was walking away the guy called him the N-word.’ Inter Miami would end up winning the game thanks to Gonzalo Higuain’s 94th minute winner
