Major League Soccer on Tuesday released a statement supporting three Vancouver Whitecaps Academy players after they were assaulted in an alleged racially motivated attack over the weekend:
Major League Soccer is aware that three Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy players were violently assaulted in an allegedly racially motivated attack on the evening of Saturday, August 14. Our first priority is to continue to support the health, safety and well-being of our players and their families during this painful and upsetting time. We stand united in unequivocally condemning violence, discrimination, racism and hate in all of its destructive forms. Major League Soccer and the Whitecaps are working together to closely monitor the situation. We are all committed to supporting that anyone proven to be involved in this assault is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
On Sunday, the Whitecaps announced that one player was is in hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery following surgery. One suspect was arrested at the time and local police are leading the investigation.
"Enough is enough. We are heartbroken and sickened by the allegations and strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, racism, and hate," added the Whitecaps statement.
"Such disgusting behaviour has absolutely no place in our community. We will do everything to support our players affected and urge the toughest punishment possible for those responsible."
