San Diego Loyal was knocked off the field midway through the USL match against Phoenix Rising after using anti-gay swearing.

A rising player allegedly verbally abused loyalist Colin Martin during the match with his club standing in solidarity with the midfielder.

Despite his 3-1 lead in the first half, Loyal came back in the second half, and waited for the ball to be kicked by Rising before choosing to leave the field in protest.

“In the first half, a member of Phoenix Rising used anti-gay slurs directed at Colin Martin. In response we decided to walk off the field in protest.” Twitter.

“We made it clear last week that we are not standing up for racism or homophobia. Nothing has changed this week.”

San Diego (SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020

Loyal manager and former USMNT striker Landon Donovan was part of the lockdown and is seen discussing the decision with Rising coach Rick Schantz.

Royal’s decision to go out comes less than a week after he lost a point in a 1-1 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy II, after news of racist slanders against one of their players.

“We don’t even want to admit that we’re part of a match where these kinds of actions happen,” said Andrew Vasiliades, president of Loyal.

“The Savior in our name is a symbol of diversity in our society and as a club we will not defend it.”

The loyal President Warren Smith added, “If there is anything we have learned over the past few months with all the cases of racial injustice that have occurred, we must take action that has consequences when these things happen. I am proud of this organization, its ownership, its staff, and especially our players for their desire to take such action.” .

USL has confirmed that they are now investigating Wednesday’s incident.

We are aware of the alleged use of anti-gay sedition in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal and Phoenix Rising FC, Read a statement.

“Bad and offensive language of any kind has no place whatsoever in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches. An investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as soon as it becomes available.”