Alejandro Bedoya opened the scoring in the Week 22 match between his Philadelphia Union and D.C. United at Audi Field, but it was his goal celebration that generated headlines nationwide, when he yelled, "Hey Congress, do something now, end gun violence," into a field mic.
The comment came in the wake of separate mass shootings in El Paso, Tex. and Dayton, Ohio over the weekend.
On Monday, the league confirmed Bedoya will not face a suspension or fine for his statement and MLS also released the statement below.
Union head coach Jim Curtin backed his player after the 5-1 win.
"I'm on Alejandro's team at the Philadelphia Union and I'm on Alejandro's team in support of his comments on gun control. 250 shootings this year [in the United States], I'm on his side," he told reporters.
An opposing player, Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, was asked about Bedoya's statement at training on Monday and agreed with his former USMNT teammate.
“Obviously, I’m proud of Ale and what happened yesterday,” Guzan said, as reported by Pro Soccer USA. “More importantly, something needs to be done. There needs to be some change, because as a father of three, it’s sad. It’s extremely, extremely sad.”
