Major League Soccer suspends Seattle’s Marc Burch three games for gay slur

Major League Soccer has suspended Seattle Sounder Marc Burch for calling an opponent a gay slur during his team’s game last Thursday. While Burch issued an apology the next day, it wasn’t enough for MLS. Burch said on Friday:

I apologize for my horrific choice of words last night during our match. This is something that is inconsistent with my family values and because of that I am both disappointed and embarrassed by my level of poor judgment. I take seriously my role as a leader in the community and this is completely regrettable and unacceptable. Character matters and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again.


MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a release:


Major League Soccer has a zero tolerance policy in response to this type of behavior from its players or staff. While I understand and believe that Mr. Burch is remorseful, Major League Soccer is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.


Burch must also attend sensitivity and diversity training.