MLS issues no punishment over alleged racial abuse in Portland-Minnesota match

Major League Soccer announced Monday that it is not issuing any punishment related to an alleged incident involving a Minnesota United player racially abusing a Portland Timbers player during a match held on June 26 at Providence Park because the league "could not corroborate or refute" the accusation following an investigation. 

According to Jeff Carlisle of ESPN, Minnesota midfielder Franco Fragapane was accused of racially abusing Portland's Diego Chara around the game's 62nd minute. Play was briefly stopped, and referee Rosendo Mendoza spoke with the captains for both clubs before restarting the contest without issuing a yellow or red card. 

Portland manager Gio Savarese said after the game that "a discriminatory word" was used against one of his players and that "the referee should have handled this situation in a much better way." 

In a statement released to ESPN, Minnesota replied: "The team has been investigating the matter and the player involved in the reported incident has denied making any derogatory remarks." 

The club also released a statement Monday: 

"Minnesota United FC unequivocally supports the principles of inclusion, equality and respect - both in words and actions - for our sport, our League, our community and our society. There is no place for racism, homophobia, or misogyny in any form. All individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.

"We appreciate and fully supported the thorough investigation by MLS, whose findings mirror our own review of the situation. Our club remains committed to spreading the values inherent in the unparalleled global sport of soccer throughout our broader community. We will continue the hard work necessary on our shared journey towards a truly inclusive and just society." 

L.A. Galaxy defender Derrick Williams was a target of racist abuse online in May.