Atlanta United player suspended for using homophobic slur

ATLANTA — An Atlanta United player has been suspended for using an anti-gay slur during a recent match, the MLS announced Monday.

Midfielder Santiago Sosa will be ineligible to play in the team’s next three matches and issued an undisclosed fine for the use of a homophobic slur in Atlanta’s match against the New England Revolution on October 1, 2022, the MLS said.

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According to the release, Sosa is required to attend LGBTQ+ Allyship training.

Sosa will serve the three-game suspension during Atlanta’s final match of the 2022 regular season on October 9 vs. New York City Football Club, as well as during the first two regular season matches of the 2023 MLS season, according to the release.

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This has been Sosa’s second full season with the team.

In a statement to Channel 2, the club confirmed Sosa’s suspension.

“Atlanta United is aware of Santiago Sosa’s use of offensive language during last week’s match. The club does not condone the use of harmful or disrespectful language towards any person. Santiago is extremely remorseful and personally apologized to the New England Revolution player. He has also requested additional resources from Major League Soccer’s Players Association to grow from this incident. The club will ensure this moment serves as an opportunity to reaffirm Atlanta United’s deeply held values of inclusion, respect and unity to all of our players and staff,” the club said in a statement.

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