SD Loyal walk off pitch in protest to homophobic slur
Credit: SD Loyal
Wednesday, September 30
The San Diego Loyal decided as a team that they would walk off the field in protest before the start of the second half. A player from the Phoenix Rising yelled out a homophobic remark directed at Loyal’s Collin Martin seconds before halftime.
In the first half a member of Phoenix Rising used a homophobic slur directed at Collin Martin. In response we have decided to walk off the pitch in protest.
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020
Last Wednesday, Sept 23, a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy II directed a racist slur toward Loyal’s Elijah Martin. The team announced days later that this kind of remarks would not be tolerated, and they wished they had walked off the field at that time.
It is baffling that these kinds of actions take place in consecutive matches. The Loyal has made it known that taking a stand is more important than a soccer match.
Last week we made it loud and clear that we do not stand for racism or homophobia. Nothing has changed this week. 🏳️🌈✊🏿 #AllBlackLivesMatter
— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020
The @SanDiegoLoyal have walked off the field before the start of the second half. With a 3-1 lead, Landon Donovan and the Loyal decide to take a stand. Racism and homophobic remarks will not be tolerated!! I am proud of this team!
— Chris Spiering⚡️ (@ChrisSpiering) October 1, 2020
San Diego entered tonight’s match intending to win and have a chance for the playoffs. The Loyal jumped out to a quick 3-1 lead with seconds to go before the half.
Instead, the match will end where it was at.
Here’s the moment. pic.twitter.com/78Rb5yaWqN
— Darren Smith (@DSmithShow) October 1, 2020
The team and fans of San Diego await further actions. That may have been the last action of 2020 for the Loyal.
Chris is a graduate of the University of San Diego. He is the former Sports Editor for the USDVista newspaper. Chris has covered the San Diego Loyal, and now covers San Diego State Men’s Basketball. He also contributes regularly about the Padres. Chris is an athlete and is a huge fan of San Diego sports.