LAFC's Adama Diomande said he was called the n-word in win over Timbers
LAFC forward Adama Diomande said he was called the n-word on Wednesday night during their U.S. Open Cup match against the Portland Timbers in Los Angeles.
Diomande entered the game as a sub in the 68th minute in LAFC’s 3-2 win on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium. He was seen exchanging words with multiple Timbers players in the 90th minute after a hard foul on a teammate and had to be separated.
Shortly after the game, Diomandre took to Instagram to say that someone called him by the racial slur.
A post shared by Adama «Dio» Diomande (@diomxnde) on Jul 18, 2018 at 11:20pm PDT
“Today was the first time in my professional career that I was called the n-word on the field,” Diomande wrote on Instagram. “They will say sorry to me after the game and please let it go, but if I don’t say anything racism will just continue to grow. No matter which country, color, religion or which language you’re speaking, we are all human beings and we should respect each other no matter what!”
Diomandre also said that the player has been reported, though he didn’t reveal who it was that called him the racial epithet. He also didn’t clarify if he was called the racial slur during the scuffle in the 90th minute of the game, or if it happened earlier in the contest.
The Timbers released a statement on Thursday saying that they would investigate the incident and that MLS will lead that investigation — even though the league does not organize the U.S. Open Cup.
“The club is aware of the accusations posted on Instagram following Wednesday night’s U.S. Open Cup game and is in direct communication with LAFC management, league officials and internal staff to gather more information,” the Timbers said in a statement via ESPN. “At this time, we are awaiting more details as we actively continue to investigate the matter. The club will provide further information when it becomes available.
“The Timbers and those associated with the club do not tolerate discriminatory, disrespectful or offensive behavior of any kind, under any circumstances, and it does not reflect the values of the club or the community which it represents.”
Diomandre joined LAFC in May and has already scored nine goals in seven games. The 28-year-old Norwegian was also named the MLS player of the month in June. Diomandre played for Hull City in England prior to signing with LAFC.
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