USL suspends Junior Flemmings for Championship playoffs for use of homophobic slur

Midfielder Junior Flemmings won't play for Phoenix Rising again this season.

The United Soccer League announced on Tuesday that Flemmings received a six-game ban which includes the entire Championship playoffs for his use of a homophobic slur directed toward San Diego Loyal midfielder Collin Martin during a match on Sept. 30. 

In its official statement, the USL explained: 

"The USL Championship announced on Tuesday, following an investigation that included interviews with 11 individuals, including players, coaches and match officials, that it has issued a six-game suspension and undisclosed fine to Phoenix Rising FC’s Junior Flemmings for the use of foul and abusive language in the form of a homophobic slur during the club’s match against San Diego Loyal SC on September 30. Per the player’s contract, Flemmings could also be subject to additional discipline from Phoenix Rising FC and remains on administrative leave."

Former United States Men's National Team star Landon Donovan serves as the San Diego manager and pulled his team off the pitch to protest Flemmings' use of the slur. San Diego forfeited the match in support of Martin, who publicly came out as gay in June 2018. 

As noted by Phoenix television station KPNX, Flemmings originally denied the accusation using a Twitter account that has since been deactivated. 

“The referee admitted he did not hear any homophobic slurs and was utterly confused by the situation,” Flemmings reportedly wrote. "I stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ movement.”

Per NBC San Diego, the Loyal forfeited a point earlier in September after an LA Galaxy II player allegedly used a racial slur against one of San Diego's Black players during a game. LA quickly cut ties with Omar Ontiveros following that match.