'I was told one thing, and another happened' - LAFC’s Mark Delgado criticizes LA Galaxy over ring ceremony change

Following Sunday's heated 2-2 draw in the latest edition of El Tráfico, former LA Galaxy standout Mark Delgado opened up about the controversy surrounding his ring presentation.

The 30-year-old was a part of the Galaxy’s 2024 MLS Cup winning team before leaving to sign with LAFC. Delgado told reporters that the Galaxy had originally told him that a video of him receiving his ring would be played during warmups before the derby, but that wasn’t the case.

Instead, the club posted photos and video of his ring presentation on their Instagram and Twitter accounts hours before kickoff.

“I did that [filming] on Friday and I was told that it was going to be put on the day of the game during warmups, and clearly that didn’t happen, just to clarify that," Delgado told reporters after the match. "So it was supposed to be a nice reception, a thank you, but clearly that didn’t happen.

“No, it was nice [getting the ring], but, clearly what I was told didn’t happen, so I was not happy about it. A lot of people were not happy about it, but I guess it was out of my control. I was told one thing, and another thing happened.”

The controversy highlights the delicate balance clubs must strike when acknowledging former players who have moved to direct rivals. Delgado, who made 32 appearances during Galaxy's championship campaign before his trade to LAFC, didn't feel it was a respectful recognition of his contributions.

The LA Galaxy take on San Diego FC on May 24, followed by a home match against San Jose Earthquakes on May 28 at the Dignity Health Sports Park. LAFC go on the road to face CF Montreal on May 24 before returning to the BMO stadium to host Sporting Kansas City on June 8.