FC Cincinnati bans fan after racist comments towards Black players

FC Cincinnati bans fan after racist incident

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FC Cincinnati have taken a zero-tolerance policy towards a fan after racist tweets, banning the individual from ever attending a match at their stadium.


The comments were directed towards midfielder Fatai Alashe and winger Joseph-Claude Gyau, two Black players on FC Cincy’s roster. 


“We stand firmly with our players and our supporters against racism,” the club tweeted. “It has no place in our organization and it will not be tolerated. The individual with the racist tweet directed at our players last night will never be permitted to attend another [Cincinnati] match again.”

The incident came four-plus months after former head coach Ron Jans resigned following an investigation that was sparked by an MLS Players Association complaint accused Jans of making "extremely inappropriate comments." They've since hired Dutch head coach Japp Stam.


Issues of racism and equality have been at the forefront of MLS clubs as the Black Lives Matter movement has shaped the national discourse for weeks. In response, the Black Players Coalition was founded and further actions are anticipated when the MLS is Back Tournament begins July 8 in Orlando.