Former West Ham players representing the club in a seven-player soccer tournament in North Carolina have walked off the pitch after alleged racial abuse.
The alleged incident occurred against Dallas United at The Soccer Tournament (TST) on Thursday night. Dallas withdrew from the $1.25 million (£1 million) competition following the elimination of team West Ham, which came towards the end of the game with Dallas winning 2–0.
Anton Ferdinand, Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis, Marlon Harewood, Frank Nouble, Zavon Hines and Jimmy Walker are among the players participating for North Carolina. It has not been confirmed what was said or to which player, but Ferdinand reportedly told the media at the match that the players had left the field for racist reasons.
“After conducting an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United breached TST’s code of conduct,” read a statement from the organizers.
“We have been in dialogue with the leaders of both clubs and we are all aligned that the best way forward is for Dallas United to withdraw from [the] competence. All parties involved are united in wanting to make a statement against racial insensitivity.
“We look to run an event that not only has the stakes high for all competitors, but also one where all competitors feel safe and secure,” added TST. “As a result, tomorrow’s match between Dallas United and Far East United has been cancelled.”
The referee reportedly told the players that he did not hear what was said, before West Ham decided to leave the field. Wolves, Borussia Dortmund and Wrexham are among the other European teams that have former players taking part in the event.
Dallas United wrote on Twitter: “In light of the shadow cast by an opposing player’s accusation during tonight’s match, the Dallas United players have unanimously decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.
“Our coaches and staff fully support the team’s decision. We thank TST 7v7 for the opportunity to compete in the tournament.”