Dante Vanzeir is back training with the New York Red Bulls after the conclusion of a six-game suspension for using a racial epithet.
Following accusations from San Jose Earthquakes players, Vanzeir eventually admitted that he had called a Black player a “monkey” during a 1-1 draw at Red Bull Arena on April 8.
Per a statement from the Red Bulls, the full squad voted on whether Vanzeir could return to training after the Belgian forward stepped away from the team in the immediate aftermath of the incident.
“Dante Vanzeir began a comprehensive program, including emotional accountability, restorative practice and cultural sensitivity sessions in mid-April with the outside firm. He continues to have sessions now and moving forward,” said the Red Bulls’ statement.
“We have held restorative process sessions with our players, sporting and front office staff, academy players and their parents or guardians. Vanzeir met with the team as he re-entered training and was unanimously approved to be able to return to the team in an anonymous player vote.”
Significant fallout for Red Bulls
Vanzeir returns to a club that has significantly changed since he used racist language. Former head coach Gerhard Struber’s disastrous handling of the situation — he refused calls to substitute Vanzeir from the San Jose Earthquakes, and possibly from some Red Bulls players, a choice he eventually admitted was a mistake — sparked fury among fans, who staged a walkout of their home match against the Houston Dynamo on April 15.
Between the fan outrage and a poor start to the season, Struber was dismissed on May 8.
Interim head coach Troy Lesesne addressed Vanzeir’s return to training on Friday, confirming the team statement’s assertion that the player vote for Vanzeir’s return to training was unanimous.
Lesense speaks for 5+ minutes on Vanzeir’s return to the team, talks about process Vanzeir has taken over the last six weeks. Talks about the team’s unanimous vote for his return. Adds: “While Dante used a hateful word, we have learned that Dante is not a hateful person.” #RBNY
— Mark Fishkin (@MarkFishkin) May 19, 2023
Vanzeir’s suspension drew intense criticism from former MLS/USMNT forward Charlie Davies. The ban ended following Wednesday night’s scoreless draw at Toronto FC, meaning Vanzeir is eligible to play in Saturday’s home game against CF Montréal. It is unclear whether he will take part, especially after not training with the club for over a month.
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