(Sports Network) - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber issued the following statement regarding an incident involving a spectator in Columbus at the Crew vs. New England Revolution fixture on May 24. "MLS and the Columbus Crew have extensively reviewed an incident that took place during the Crew vs. 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."

The incident occurred after New England striker Kheli Dube scored on a rebound of a penalty kick save by Columbus goalkeeper Will Hesmer in the 1-0 New England win. A fan in the Columbus supporters section was recorded berating Dube with racist comments, although the fan's image never appeared on the video.



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