In a seven-a-side tournament held in North California, West Ham United players walked off the pitch after a Dallas United player was accused of using a racial slur.
The West Ham team managed by former Apprentice football club star Tom Skinner featured several former players such as Anton Ferdinand, Matt Jarvis, and Carlton Cole. In a high-tempered match, Dalla United were leading 2-0 before the game was stopped due to suspension. West Ham United’s Ferdinand could be heard saying he wanted to “set a precedent”.
A statement by the organisers said, “After conducting an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United violated TST’s code of conduct. It further stated, “We have been in dialogue with leadership from both clubs, and we are all aligned that the best path forward is Dallas United withdrawing from the competition. All parties involved are united in wanting to make a statement against racial insensitivity.”
After being accused of wrongdoing, Dallas United decided to withdraw from the tournament. The club said that they would launch an internal investigation as soon as they confirmed their exit from the tournament.
The club statement read, “In light of the shadow cast by an opposing player’s accusation during tonight’s match, the Dallas United players unanimously decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition. Our coaches and staff fully support the team’s decision.”