News (USA)

A pro athlete was called a gay slur during a game. So his whole team forfeited in solidarity.

San Diego Loyal players argue with the referee
San Diego Loyal players argue with the referee Photo: Screenshot

San Diego’s professional men’s soccer team walked off the field mid-game after a Pheonix Rising player used a homophobic slur during the match. The slur was directed at the San Diego Loyal’s midfielder Collin Martin.

Martin is gay. He is the only out player in any of the big five American sports leagues.

Related: A referee stopped a soccer match because of a homophobic chant

The team was in the lead at the time, 3-1. After leaving the field for halftime, the players returned, took a knee, and refused to play.

The team forfeited a match against the LA Galaxy last week after an opposing player used the n-word in reference to Black teammate Elijah Martin.

The decision to forfeit both matches could cost the team a trip to the championships.

“The team came into tonight needing a win to stay alive,” Jack Cronin, a sportscaster for Fox5,  said. “The sacrifice that they are making, taking away their own points, made it that much more powerful.”

Neither of the offending teams lost any points.

Don't forget to share:

Good News is your section for queer joy! Subscribe to our newsletter to get the most positive and fun stories from the site delivered to your inbox every weekend. Send us your suggestions for uplifiting and inspiring stories.


Support vital LGBTQ+ journalism

Reader contributions help keep LGBTQ Nation free, so that queer people get the news they need, with stories that mainstream media often leaves out. Can you contribute today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated

14 countries ban being transgender. That’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Previous article

High school bullies sing “For he’s a jolly good fa***t” after student comes out as bisexual

Next article