DC United announced Friday that two players, Taxi Fountas, and Nigel Robertha, have been placed on paid administrative leave for possible violations of MLS policy. MLS is investigating a confrontation between both players that DC United reported to the league.
Robertha physically attacked Fountas after Fountas allegedly used a racial slur directed at his teammate, according to The Athletic.
The Washington Post added the altercation stemmed from Foutnas getting angry about Robertha’s performance during a 4-0 DC United loss to the New England Revolution in Foxborough, MA. Robertha struck Fountas with a foam roller.
MLS previously investigated Fountas for allegations of using a racial slur. In September, an Inter Miami player accused Fountas of saying a racial slur during a game. MLS found the allegation “credible” but couldn’t verify the incident, leading to no disciplinary action against Fountas.
Also on Friday, DC United fired athletic trainer Rede Whitney for using a discriminatory hand gesture considered a racial trope in a staff photo during an MLS All-Star Game practice. The gesture is known as the “okay” sign and has recently been associated with white supremacists.
