Junior Flemmings last week reportedly used a homophobic slur against gay player Collin Martin whilst playing for US team Phoenix Rising FC vs San Diego Loyal FC.
Martin's teammates walking off the pitch at half time in protest made global headlines, as their sign of solidarity with the LGBTQ+ movement and their teammate cost them their playoff chances.
With football being a game still broadly considered not gay-friendly, this is a big marker of support to help show football can be an inclusive place and that there is no space for discrimination of any kind in it. Martin currently stands as a trailblazer in being openly gay as a footballer.
Flemming's fine is undisclosed, and he denies using the slur. He is now on leave and could face further discipline after an ongoing USL Championship investigation.
In reaction to the incident, the USL last week announced an Institute for Sport and Social Justice partnership which will see The Institute provide league-wide sensitivity training and education ahead of the 2021 season. This is a positive step to helping players and all professionals active within the USL understand appropriate behaviour, and the impact they may be having on individuals. The training is believed to not be focused on being gay, but also race and other diversity areas.
Since the incident we have seen a joint statement from Rising FC and San Diego Loyal FC outlining their joint educational programme, both supporting the approach of not accepting homophobia or prejudice in football.
The statement in full:
"Yesterday, the ownership groups of San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC met to discuss the unfortunate events of this past Wednesday evening and pledged to work together to ensure that this moment could be used by all involved to teach, build, and ultimately make our sport, our league, and our communities better, more compassionate places.
"To help foster a greater sense of understanding and empathy towards one another, as well as to bring awareness to the realities of conscious and unconscious biases, the clubs have committed to working together towards the development of educational programs where players, staff and supporters will meet to share their backgrounds and life experiences.
“'Prejudiced language and bigotry has no place in sport or anywhere else for that matter,' said Berke Bakay, Governor of Phoenix Rising FC. 'The on-field events of Wednesday’s match could not be more contrary to the values of our organization. Bringing both clubs together to fight prejudice will undoubtedly lead to great things. We look forward to the implementation of these educational programs and hope that they can serve as a model for our league.'
"'We’ve received affirmation and an outpouring of support following our actions these last two matches,' said Warren Smith, Co-Founder and President of SD Loyal SC. 'The purpose of our stand was to raise awareness, spread love and eliminate hate in all forms. We believe in second chances and look forward to working with Phoenix Rising on productive ways we can forgive, educate, and grow from these moments.'
"The two clubs also look forward to facing each other again during the 2021 season.
"With love and respect,
"San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC."
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