L.A. Galaxy denounce racist abuse directed at defender Derrick Williams

Major League Soccer club L.A. Galaxy came to the defense of one of their own Friday afternoon after defender Derrick Williams became the target of racial abuse online.

The club said in a prepared statement:

"The L.A. Galaxy are aware of hateful, threatening and racially abusive social media messages sent to defender Derrick Williams. This abhorrent language and behavior has no place in our sport or in our society.

"The club is working with Major League Soccer and the proper authorities to identify any and all abusers. We will take the appropriate next steps to protect Derrick and all of our players from these acts of hate.

"The club asks fans to report any form of abuse or discrimination."

According to an ESPN story, Williams received the abuse after he committed a red-card tackle on Andy Polo of the Portland Timbers in last Saturday's match that Portland won 3-0. Polo suffered a ruptured quadriceps and torn meniscus in his left knee as a result of the foul and will miss the remainder of the campaign. 

Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney said on Thursday that Williams had reached out to the injured forward.