Dynamo Shaken By Racist Incident

Racism in soccer has apparently spread to US shores as the Houston Dynamo franchise was hit by an unfortunate incident this Sunday in their match with DC United.

Oct 13, 2008 4:52:10 PM

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The Houston Dynamo have banned a fan from coming to their matches indefinitely following a racially charged insult directed at DC United goalkeeper Louis Crayton following the teams 0-0 tie on Sunday afternoon.

According to a news released from the Dynamo the man has been banned for life.

“Authorities on the scene immediately escorted the individual off the premises,” said the report issued on Sunday. “The Dynamo have identified the fan and banned the person from attending Dynamo games indefinitely. The Dynamo have informed Major League Soccer of the incident and the identity of the individual, and further actions may be taken.

A native of Liberia, Crayton told authorities that the man directed the slur towards him as he was heading to the visiting locker room’s at Robertson Stadium at Houston University.

"It is so sad that he would say that to me," Crayton told the Washington Post. "I am saying hi to the fans and he walked up to me and told me, 'Hey, you're a monkey, go back to the jungle.' I told him, 'Hey, you can't say that to me. I am not a monkey, I am a human being like you.'

"I jumped over to ask him why he insulted me, and he kept going."

The MLS recently released a statement concerning the matter, clearly stating their no tolerance policy on issues such as this.

"The league is reviewing the details of the incident.  Major League Soccer and the Houston Dynamo have absolutely no tolerance for the kind of despicable and offensive language reported and will ban for life from all MLS games any person found using such language in an MLS stadium."

The incident comes days after England international Rio Ferdinand hit out at FIFA for failing to take serious enough action against the Croatian Football Federation for the racism displayed towards England striker Emile Heskey.

It was also announced today that England manager Fabio Capello has called for his team’s February friendly fixture in Spain be called off due to the history of racism displayed in the country towards England players four years ago . The match was set for February 11th at the Bernabeu, but has been cancelled at Capello’s request.

-- Shane Evans, Goal.com
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