Photo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images
With a financial fine of an undisclosed amount, three game suspension and assistance to LGBTQ+ Alliship training through Athlete Ally (an organization that seeks to end homophobia in sports), Major League Soccer (MLS) decided to punish Argentine midfielder Santiago Sosa this Saturday afternoon for using a homophobic expression during Atlanta United’s last game against New England Revolution on October 1.
The measurement against the steering wheel of 80 years was announced through a statement published on the organization’s website.
Sosa will begin to serve his sanction immediately this Sunday, for which Atlanta United will not be able to use the player for the last match of the season against New York City FC and will also miss the first two games in the opening of the next regular season 2022.
“Atlanta United is aware of Santiago Sosa’s use of offensive language during last week’s match.” “The club does not condone the use of offensive or disrespectful language towards any person. Santiago is extremely sorry and apologized personally to the New England Revolution player. He has also requested additional resources from the MLS Players Association to grow from this incident,” the statement said.
🚨 Major League Soccer has suspended Atlanta United midfielder Santiago Sosa for three matches and imposed an undisclosed fine for the use of homophobic language in Atlanta’s game against the New England Revolution on October 1, 2022.#MLS— Alonso El Inca (@alonso_inca) October 8, 2021
The details about the homophobic episode that led to the subsequent punishment against the Argentine, who only accumulates a goal in 2022 are unknown. games this season with United, whom he joined last year. It should be remembered that Atlanta could not win that match against the New England Revolution on October 1 after losing with a score of 2-1.
For the second time in six seasons, the red and black team fails to appear in the Playoffs. At the moment he has a record of 10 won, 13 losses and 10 tied.
Background
The MLS has implemented a hard-line policy against homophobia. In 2021 the organization suspended and fined LA Galaxy player Sebastian Lletget after posting a homophobic slur on Instagram. What happened? He shared a video where he was seen sneaking up on his partner, Mexican Julián Araujo as he patted her neck and yelled “Eh… P.”
At that time, a measure almost equal to this was taken, since a fine was announced, but without revealing the amount and two games of suspension with mandatory attendance at diversity workshops through Athlete Ally.
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