Death threats sent to player amid Black Lives Matter outrage
America's professional soccer league has condemned the "repulsive" racist attacks and death threats sent to FC Dallas star Reggie Cannon.
The MLS and Cannon's team have both hit out in disgust after the player was targeted for criticising fans that booed during a Black Lives Matter tribute.
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Before their game, FC Dallas and Nashville SC players kneeled during the national anthem to reiterate their support of peaceful protests against social injustice.
Similar gestures from players have been seen in various sporting competitions around the world, with the death of George Floyd thrusting the issue back into the spotlight.
Players from Dallas and Nashville took a knee in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement before their game at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, but their gesture was overshadowed by booing from a small section of fans.
Dallas defender Cannon, who is of African-American descent, called the reaction from the booing spectators “disgusting” after the match.
“How disgraceful is that?” said Cannon.
“You got fans booing you for people taking a stand for what they believe in. Millions of other people support this cause and we discussed with every other team and the league what we're going to do and we've got fans booing us in our own stadium.
“I think it was absolutely disgusting.
“You can’t even have support from your own fans in your own stadium. It's baffling to me.”
Cannon's disgust has seen him targeted in a series or racist attacks, with online trolls even sending him death threats in a shocking fallout to the defender's comments.
MLS condemns attacks on Cannon
In a strongly worded statement, the MLS said such attacks would not be tolerated, with FC Dallas also condemning the disgusting treatment of their player.
"As we have stated consistently, Major League Soccer supports players and staff who protest peacefully on behalf of equality and social justice," the league said in a statement on Thursday.
"Some of the comments made... were appalling. We want to be clear that MLS will not tolerate any abuse or threats to any individual player or team."
Dallas chairman Clark Hunt and president Dan Hunt also extended their support to Cannon.
"The racist comments and death threats he has received are repulsive. There is no place in our sport, or in our country, for the kind of horrific vitriol he had to endure," they said in a joint statement.
"Hateful or violent threats are never warranted. We will continue to work together against racism and in the cause of equality for all."
Wednesday's game was the first for Dallas and Nashville since March, after the two teams withdrew from the MLS is Back tournament in Orlando because of COVID-19 cases in their respective squads.
with agencies
