League News

San Jose Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon gets three-game suspension for homophobic slur

Alan Gordon

Major League Soccer on Tuesday announced discipline for San Jose Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon.


MLS Commissioner Don Garber has suspended Gordon for three games and fined him an undisclosed amount for using unacceptable and offensive language towards an opponent in the 60th minute of the game against the Portland Timbers on April 14.


Commissioner Garber also mandated that Gordon attend diversity and sensitivity training. This is in addition to the training that all MLS clubs attend at the beginning of each season.


Gordon also received a red card for his second caution for separate fouls during the game and such an ejection carries an automatic one-game suspension and fine. Gordon will serve a total suspension of four games: April 21 against Portland, April 27 at Chivas USA, May 4 against Montreal Impact and May 8 against Toronto FC.


READ: Statement from Alan Gordon

“Major League Soccer stands against discrimination and prejudice of any kind and will not tolerate this type of behavior,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “All of our players, staff and fans must remain committed to respect and dignity at all times.”


The League’s community outreach initiative, MLS WORKS, promotes unity, respect, fair play, equality and acceptance throughout the soccer community with the Don’t Cross The Line campaign.