Dante Vanzeir admitted he said the word “monkey” during an incident against the San Jose Earthquakes, but has denied he intended to use the word in a racial context.
In his first interview since being suspended six games for the use of a racial slur, the New York Red Bulls forward attempted to explain his version of events of an incident that has ignited fury across the league.
Sporza asked the Belgian striker if he used the n-word, to which he responded: “No. I’ll tell you exactly how it went… The referee blows his whistle for a foul, after which I enter into a discussion with him. Afterwards I’m still grumbling to myself about the ref. I then said ‘monkey,’ but in the sense of clown, dummy. Because I thought he made the wrong decision.”
Vanzeir insisted he did not mean to offend when he used the word, though he admitted he is aware that he was wrong to do so.
“It never even occurred to me that that word would be offensive to one of my opponents,” he said. “I was grumbling to myself and misjudged the impact of that word. In our language, that word is more often used with an intent which is not racist at all.
“Afterwards I also realized what the impact could be, I realize that I hurt people with it. I would like to apologize again for my choice of words at that time.”
Though many Red Bulls fans have said they do not wish to see Vanzeir play for the team again, the Designated Player said he is hopeful he will have a path back to a place in MLS.
“I made a mistake, but I hope that the fans can forgive me and welcome me back on the field,” the 25-year-old said. “Because it is still my greatest passion. I want to experience beautiful moments with the club and the fans.”
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