The first day of The Soccer Tournament was marred by allegations that a player used a racial slur.
A match in Group D between Dallas United and a team representing West Ham was halted, with the latter side walking off over the alleged racial slur. The game was suspended pending an investigation from tournament organizers.
“The match between West Ham United and Dallas United has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of use or intent to use a racial slur,” said a statement from TST. “TST has zero tolerance towards racial abuse, and take these allegations very seriously. After speaking with players and coaches from both teams, officials, and consulting audio from our production team, TST will issue the results of its investigation.”
The match between West Ham United & Dallas United has been suspended pending an investigation into allegations of use or intent to use a racial slur.
TST has zero tolerance towards racial abuse, and take these allegations very seriously. After speaking with players and coaches…
— TST (@TST7v7) June 2, 2023
TST’s roster page for Dallas United bills the team as “a unique partnership” between Twitch streamer Castro_1021 and Dallas Soccer Alliance, an adult soccer league in the greater Dallas area.
West Ham’s team is comprised almost entirely of ex-pros who played for West Ham at some point in their careers, including Luis Boa Morte, Carlton Cole, Marlon Harewood, and Tyrone Mears.
It was not immediately clear what sanctions TST would pose should the investigation confirm the use of racist language
Edit note: Dallas United has since withdrawn from the tournament.
[lawrence-related id=20783,18727,13601]