Phoenix Rising Player Accused Of Using Homophobic Slur In Game

PHOENIX — A Phoenix Rising FC player has come under fire after being accused of directing an anti-gay slur at a gay San Diego Loyal player during Wednesday's game, leading San Diego to forfeit the game in protest.

Junior Flemmings, midfielder for the Phoenix Rising, is accused of using the slur against San Diego's Collin Martin, who is gay.

Flemmings denied the allegations in a Twitter post and said that his teammates would support his claim.

"At no point did I say a homophobic slur towards Collin Martin," he wrote. "I do not know Collin personally but I respect all of my opponents equally, Collin included. I stand in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ movement."

The San Diego Loyal team walked off of the field just before the second half of the game at their home stadium. Martin was issued a red card at the end of the first half. Several Loyal players then approached the referee to accuse a Rising player of using a slur, ESPN reported.

The team also walked off during a game held the week prior when a player was called a racial slur by a member of the LA Galaxy II. Galaxy player Omar Ontiveros was suspended by the league and cut by the team after officials found that he had called Loyal player Elijah Martin a racial slur.

The USL Championship said it was investigating Wednesday's incident.

“We are aware of the alleged use of a homophobic slur in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC. Foul and abusive language of any type has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches,'' the league statement said. "An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as soon as it is available.”

Officials with the Phoenix Rising have also made it clear they do not condone such language, but acknowledged Flemmings' denial. The team will also investigate the slur allegations.

"Phoenix Rising stands with the USL in rejecting and punishing any homophobic behavior," the Rising said in its statement.

The Loyal was leading the match 3-1 prior to the protest.