Belgian international in U.S. suspended by own club after racist language

Belgian international Dante Vanzeir must fear that his adventure in Major League Soccer is over after just one game in the starting lineup. The New York Red Bulls striker has already been provisionally suspended by his club after confessing racist language.

Vanzeir used the n-word in the game against San Jose Earthquakes. Presumably that was directed at Rotterdam-born Cape Verdean Jamiro Monteiro, who still played for Cambuur and Heracles in the premier league.

Jeremy Ebobisse had heard what Vanzeir said, after which the match was suspended for twenty minutes.

That Vanzeir went deep into the dust afterwards did not diminish the storm of criticism he received for his behavior. Pending the punishment that awaits Vanzeir, his club decided to suspend the player for the time being.

Vanzeir is only just playing in the United States, after his million-dollar hit in the winter transfer window. New York Red Bulls paid five million euros for him, following his good performance at Union that even led to a debut in Belgium’s national team.

But in a few months, the world now looks very different for the 24-year-old Vanzeir. Because of the zero-tolerance policy implemented in America when it comes to racism, the player could face a hugely severe penalty.

“Even if I were to win this battle and could return, I would still feel that I could not work in a safe environment and would have to deal with a divided dressing room,” the current FC Twente coach explained his departure at the time.