sport news DC United's Taxi Fountas breaks silence after MLS rules it cannot prove he ... trends now
DC United forward Taxi Fountas has taken to Instagram after the MLS ended its investigation into his alleged use of the N-word.
The organization said it cannot prove Fountas used the word but said the claim was credible.
Writing on social media on Tuesday, Fountas said: 'I am happy to anounce (sic) that the investigation of the MLS concerning the accusation of racism is finished and closed.
'No evidence of racist behavior by me. I always respect the culture, religion and every human.
'Now I can concentrate again for the football, my club DC United and the Greek National team.'
Fountas was accused of calling Miami's Damian Lowe the N-word following an altercation during a game in September.
The MLS had found the allegation that DC United player Taxi Fountas (No. 11) used racially abusive language towards an Inter Miami player was 'credible' but could not prove it
An altercation between Fountas and Damion Lowe took place during MLS game in September
The ugly altercation between the pair took place in the 62nd minute of the MLS fixture on September 18, with the duo pushing and shoving each other after Jamaica international Lowe was unhappy with the Greek's challenge.
The MLS launched an investigation into the incident following DC United's 3-2 defeat by Inter Miami.
The league announced Monday that it had concluded its investigation and found the allegation, made by Miami defender Aime Mabika, was credible.
The MLS also said that while it could not independently verify the allegation, it did not find credible Fountas’ claim that he said nothing in that moment.
The league confirmed that footage of the incident clearly shows Mabika suddenly reacting to something he believed he heard from Fountas after his scuffle with Lowe, who is black. Lowe and Fountas received yellow cards.
MLS was unable to confirm independently, through additional eyewitness accounts, video footage or audio recordings, what Fountas said in that moment, as has been the league’s long-standing practice in determining player discipline for these types of allegations.
MLS plans to examine its policies and practices as they relate to allegations of abusive and discriminatory language and is committed to working with all of the stakeholders during this off-season.
Lowe shouted back at Fountas after the alleged slur was used, and referee Ismail Elfath then stopped play to speak to both captains.
It then took an even more sinister turn in the following four minutes as former Manchester United teammates Wayne Rooney
