Soccer-LAFC and Rapids confirm investigation into alleged use of abusive language

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By Rory Carroll

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – LAFC and the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday confirmed a CONCACAF investigation into Rapids player Chidozie Awaziem’s allegation that he was called a derogatory term late in their match on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Awaziem, who is Nigerian, said he heard a derogatory term from LAFC defender Sergi Palencia during their CONCACAF Champions Cup match, according to soccer journalist Tom Bogert.

CONCACAF did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

An incident in the 85th minute led to the match being paused for about five minutes as referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere engaged in conversations with Awaziem, Palencia, his fellow officials and both team’s coaches, the Guardian reported.

Play then continued and no discipline was handed out and Awaziem later confronted Palencia after the final whistle, the paper said.

“The Colorado Rapids fully support CONCACAF’s ongoing investigation into the reported use of abusive language by an LAFC player during last night’s match at BMO Stadium,” the Rapids wrote on social media.

“As a club, we do not tolerate any form of abuse, and we stand with our players following these very serious allegations. This language has no place in our game.”

LAFC, who won the game 1-0, said in a statement that it was fully cooperating with the investigation.

“LAFC is a club for all and stands against hate in any form,” the team said.

“We have spoken with our players about the incident and will continue to respect the investigative process.”

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles and Amy Tennery in New York; editing by Clare Fallon)