D.C. United forward Taxi Fountas vehemently denies Inter Miami claim of racial slur

D.C. United forward Taxi Fountas issued a statement Monday morning vehemently denying that he used a racial slur against Inter Miami defender Damion Lowe during Sunday night’s 3-2 Miami win at Audi Field.

Lowe, who is black and the captain of Jamaica’s national team, accused Fountas of using a racist comment during a second-half scuffle that resulted in yellow cards for both players. Inter Miami right back DeAndre Yedlin said Fountas “used the N word” and that Miami players told coach Phil Neville they would not continue to play unless something was done about Fountas.

D.C. coach Wayne Rooney pulled Fountas from the game a few minutes later. United and MLS issued statements saying they are investigating the situation.

“I did not use the word I am being accused of using,” Fountas posted on Instagram. “That despicable racial slur is one I denounce and did not use. We had a hot discussion on the field, but I have not racially abused anyone. I firmly reject racism in any form, it is despicable. I have many friends from many cultures. I always respect the culture, religion, and skin color of each person. I am therefore very upset by this accusation and saddened to be falsely accused.”

Fountas, a 27-year-old native of Greece, is D.C.’s leading scorer with 12 goals.

After the game, Neville and Yedlin spoke strongly about the allegation.

“There is no place at all for racism on a football field or society,” Neville said. “A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world.”

Neville went on to commend his players for keeping their calm, referee Ismael Elfath for how he handled “a really, really difficult situation,” and said he has “massive respect” for Rooney, his former Manchester United teammate, for dealing with Fountas the way he did.

“I’ve always known him as a class act, and [Sunday] in my estimation he did more than any goal he’s ever scored,” Neville said.

Rooney said: “There was a complaint, which I’m sure will get investigated. Not much more I can say.”

D.C. United addressed the situation after the game: “D.C. United are aware of the allegations involving a player during the match against Inter Miami CF. The club will work closely with Major League Soccer and Inter Miami to investigate the incident.”

Yedlin, a member of the U.S. national team whose father is African American, was gutted and said he hopes D.C. United and MLS take further action.

“Unfortunately, it makes a really nice moment for us kind of dark,” Yedlin. “This is something I’ve been outspoken about my whole career, so it’s really unfortunate to see it live...The win was dwarfed by this situation.”

Yedlin said that as Lowe was walking away from Fountas after a heated exchange, Fountas “called him the N word.” Miami center back Aime Mabika, one of the most mild-mannered players on the team, reacted angrily, Yedlin said. “When we saw Aime react the way he did, we knew it was serious. As soon as I heard what he said, I got pretty emotional, as well.”

“We came out with the win, but at the end of the day, it doesn’t even feel like a win because of that incredibly dark moment, so now we’ll see what MLS does about it. It’s hard to wrap your head around that that is still being said in 2022. We can wear T-shirts and hold signs that say ‘Say No to Racism’ but at what point will a strong stand be taken?”