Update on Columbus incident: Spectator banned for life

In update to the incident at May 24th's Revolution match against Columbus at Crew Stadium MLS Commissioner Don Garber has today released the following statement:

"MLS and the Columbus Crew have extensively reviewed an incident that took place during the Crew versus Revolution game on May 24 where there is audio of a spectator at Crew Stadium using vulgar language and an unacceptable and offensive racial epithet.

"The review included video posted on the internet, and interviews with security personnel, fans and team officials.

"MLS and the Columbus Crew are working diligently with all relevant authorities, including Club Supporters Groups, to identify the spectator involved. In the event the perpetrator is identified, he will be banned for life from Crew stadium and all other MLS stadiums and events.

"MLS takes enormous pride in our commitment to racial and ethnic diversity and inclusiveness - in our stadiums, on our fields, and in our administrative, coaching and ownership ranks. We categorically will not tolerate this language in any context or setting and are working with all of our clubs and stadiums to ensure that this isolated incident is not repeated."

Tough punishment, but I can't say undeserved under the circumstances. It's good to see MLS taking a hard line on incidents like this.