For folks that don’t follow the USL I wanted to share a pretty incredible story over the last week concerning one team: the San Diego Loyal, and their steps in terms of combatting racism and homophobia in sports.
On September 23rd, the Loyal played to a 1-1 tie against the LA Galaxy II. After the game was over, they chose to forfeit, giving up the point they had earned. During the game, a Galaxy player directed a racial slur at a Loyal player. Despite LA Galaxy II coaching staff, players, and even referees being in the area, the offending player was not disciplined. When made aware of this after the game, the SD Loyal came to the decision to forfeit their point, saying “we don’t even want to recognize being a part of a match where these types of actions take place. The Loyal in our name is symbolic of the diversity in our community and as a club we will not stand for this.”
Today, September 30th, the SD Loyal were playing the Phoenix Rising, and winning the match 3-1. In the first half of the game, a member of the Phoenix Rising used a homophobic slur directed towards Collin Martin, an openly gay player on the Loyal. In response, the Loyal decided to walk off the pitch and forfeit their last match of the season.
The players, coaches, and staff of the San Diego Loyal have shown that there is no place in sports for racism or homophobia through direct and meaningful action. I don’t know if the USL plans to respond or sweep this under the rug, but seeing a team stand up for these basic values is honestly refreshing and I want to express my gratitude towards them for having the courage to do so.
Obviously racism and homophobia in sports will not go away overnight, but if more teams look at the Loyal’s courage and example I think that the world of sports will be a better place because of it.
