DC United’s Taxi Fountas breaks silence after MLS rules it cannot prove he called Lowe the N-word

DC United forward Taxi Fountas has taken to Instagram after the MLS ended its investigation into his alleged use of the N-word.

The organization said it cannot prove Fountas used the word but said the claim was credible.

Writing on social media on Tuesday, Fountas said: ‘I am happy to anounce (sic) that the investigation of the MLS concerning the accusation of racism is finished and closed.

‘No evidence of racist behavior by me. I always respect the culture, religion and every human.

‘Now I can concentrate again for the football, my club DC United and the Greek National team.’

Fountas was accused of calling Miami’s Damian Lowe the N-word following an altercation during a game in September. 

The ugly altercation between the pair took place in the 62nd minute of the MLS fixture on September 18, with the duo pushing and shoving each other after Jamaica international Lowe was unhappy with the Greek’s challenge.

The MLS launched an investigation into the incident following DC United’s 3-2 defeat by Inter Miami.

The league announced Monday that it had concluded its investigation and found the allegation, made by Miami defender Aime Mabika, was credible. 

The MLS also said that while it could not independently verify the allegation, it did not find credible Fountas’ claim that he said nothing in that moment.

The league confirmed that footage of the incident clearly shows Mabika suddenly reacting to something he believed he heard from Fountas after his scuffle with Lowe, who is black. Lowe and Fountas received yellow cards.

MLS was unable to confirm independently, through additional eyewitness accounts, video footage or audio recordings, what Fountas said in that moment, as has been the league’s long-standing practice in determining player discipline for these types of allegations.

MLS plans to examine its policies and practices as they relate to allegations of abusive and discriminatory language and is committed to working with all of the stakeholders during this off-season.

Lowe shouted back at Fountas after the alleged slur was used, and referee Ismail Elfath then stopped play to speak to both captains. 

It then took an even more sinister turn in the following four minutes as former Manchester United teammates Wayne Rooney and Phil Neville convened on the sidelines to speak with the official.

Neville then summoned his Inter Miami players to discuss whether they should continue playing as both players were subsequently booked.

Tensions remained high between the pair and they had to be separated for a second time, and after a five-minute stoppage play eventually resumed.

DC United boss Rooney then decided to take Fountas – who a few minutes earlier had made it 2-2 – off the next time the ball went out of a play, with the 27-year-old replaced by Miguel Berry.

Rooney was commended by the Inter Miami boss for his actions, with the latter saying he had ‘gained more respect’ for him ‘than for any goal he had scored in the past’. 

During the investigation, Fountas voluntarily remained separated from DC United and did not participate in two MLS matches on October 1 and October 9 but is eligible to play for DC United during the 2023 season.

MLS has fined or suspended players and coaches in the past for abusive language. 

In 1998, New England player Edwin Gorter was fined $20,000 and suspended two games for racist slur during a scuffle with a teammate. 

Additionally, in 2006, DC coach Peter Nowak was fined for a racist comment; and in 2013, San Jose’s Alan Gordon was suspended three games for a homophobic slur.

Fountas had denied racially abusing Lowe on Instagram following the incident.

Fountas wrote in a statement in September: ‘I did not use the word I am being accused of using. That despicable racial slur is one I denounce and did not use. 

‘We had a hot discussion on the field, but I have not racially abused anyone. I firmly reject racism in any form. It is despicable. 

‘I have many friends from many cultures. I always respect the culture, religion and skin color of each person. 

‘I am therefore very upset by this accusation and saddened to be falsely accused.’

Following the league’s findings, DC United released a statement saying the team had fully supported and participated in the investigation. 

It read: ‘The club appreciate and accept the findings of the league’s investigation, as well as the conclusion that the act in question could not be confirmed following several interviews that took place with individuals involved and nearby the incident, including those closest to the situation, as well as through an in-depth review of audio and video from multiple broadcast angles. 

‘Additionally, the club would like to acknowledge Taxi Fountas’ cooperation throughout the investigation.

‘DC United are committed to continuing to do the work needed to uphold one of our club’s core values that racism has no home in our sport and we must be proactive in our efforts to create a place where all feel welcome and respected.’