Major League Soccer announced on Friday disciplinary fines for Montreal Impact forward Didier Drogba and New York City FC defender Diego Martinez.
Consistent with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Drogba has been fined an undisclosed amount for his failure to appear for the Montreal Impact’s match against Toronto FC on Oct. 16.
MLS received a report that Martinez directed a homophobic slur and certain expletives towards a ball kid during NYCFC's game against D.C. United game on Oct. 16. MLS enforces a zero tolerance policy against any form of discrimination. The League, its clubs, players, fans and the MLS Players Union treat allegations of discrimination very seriously and are committed to creating an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The League prioritizes the creation of an inclusive environment for all who attend our games, and insists that all stadiums are free of discrimination.
Based on the investigation and the testimony of multiple witnesses, MLS did not corroborate the report that the player used a homophobic slur. The League did find, however, that the player directed an obscenity towards a D.C. United ball kid and the player has been fined an undisclosed amount for this misconduct.
