Report: Union's Kai Wagner accused of racial slur allegation

Kai Wagner’s time with the Philadelphia Union could reportedly come to an early end.

MLS is reviewing a racial slur allegation filed by the New England Revolution in regard to Wagner, The Athletic reported. Wagner, who has been linked with an exit from the Union at the end of the current MLS season, is alleged of using a racial slur towards Revs striker Bobby Wood.

Wood, who is of Japanese and African American descent, speaks German after spending majority of his pro career in the European country. Wagner is from Germany and played majority of his club career to date in his native country before joining the Union.

The incident reportedly occurred in the 87th minute of the Union’s 3-1 MLS Cup Playoff victory at Subaru Park last Saturday. Broadcast footage on Apple TV showed players from both sides exchanging words following ​​Giacomo Vrioni’s foul on Nathan Harriel.

Vrioni was subsequently yellow carded for his foul on Harriel.

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Wagner, a two-time MLS All-Star, has been one of the league’s top left backs since his arrival in 2019. He has contributed five goals and 41 assists for the Union in 147 combined league appearances, lifting a Supporters’ Shield in 2020.

There have been other instances of alleged racial abuse in MLS this year with DC United’s Taxi Fountas and New York Red Bulls’ Dante Vanzeir among those accused. Fountas eventually parted ways with DC United despite MLS never completing the investigation.

Vanzeir was suspended six matches for his actions and currently remains a member of the Red Bulls squad.