The Daily Observer London Desk: Reporter- Judith Benjamin
A seven-a-side team representing West Ham in North Carolina is set to play Friday after an alleged intent to use a racist slur led to it walking off the field the day before
The side, which includes ex-West Ham players like Anton Ferdinand and Carlton Cole, was playing against Dallas United in The Soccer Tournament on Thursday night when the allegation was made.
It is understood that an opponent began to use the n-word at Frank Nouble. Dallas has since withdrawn from the competition.
West Ham players met with the executive team of the tournament shortly after the abandonment of their Thursday night game, speaking with a group that included the tournament’s founder and CEO Jon Mugar.
An opponent allegedly began to use a racial slur at Frank Nouble, a former West Ham player
Nouble (right) is seen playing for Colchester United vs. Manchester United in 2019
Due to their loss in their first match earlier that day vs. Far East United, the Hammers will not advance to the knockout stage, as the Dallas match was ruled as abandoned – not a forfeit – and West Ham has zero points going into its third and final game.
Culture By Mo Ali FC and Far East United each have two wins.
TST organizers tweeted the below statement late Thursday night.
‘After conducting an investigation into the final moments of the match between West Ham United and Dallas United, we have concluded that Dallas United violated TST’s code of conduct,’ it read.
‘We have been in dialogue with leadership from both clubs and we are all aligned that the best path forward is Dallas United withdrawing from competition. All parties involved are unified in wanting to make a statement against racial insensitivity.
‘We seek to run an event that is not only fiercely high stakes for all competitors, but also one in which all competitors feel safe and protected.
‘As a result, tomorrow’s game between Dallas United and Far East United has been canceled.
Dallas said in a statement that they chose not to continue playing in the event.
West Ham players, led by Anton Ferdinand, walked off the pitch in North Carolina
‘In light of the shadow cast by an opposing player’s accusation during tonight’s match, the Dallas United players unanimously decided to withdraw from the remainder of the competition. Our coaches and staff fully support the team’s decision.
‘We thank TST7v7 for the opportunity to compete in the tournament.’
In clips from the competition that circulated online, Ferdinand could be heard saying, ‘I am here to set a precedent, now’ shortly before the team walked off the field.’
According to ESPN, when Ferdinand was asked what happened he simply said ‘racism’ and did not choose to go into further detail.
