Landon Donovan Speaks On Pulling San Diego Loyal Team From Field After Alleged Homophobic Slur

The San Diego Loyal walked off the field in protest Wednesday night, saying a Phoenix Rising player used an anti-gay slur directed at openly-gay midfielder Collin Martin.

Manager Landon Donovan discussed the incident with the referee and Phoenix head coach Rick Schantz.

‘We have to get this out of our game, it’s homophobic.’

Landon Donovan pulled his San Diego Loyal players from their clash with Phoenix Rising after a homophobic slur was aimed at openly-gay midfielder Collin Martin pic.twitter.com/ZIbnb534Qm

— Metro Sport (@Metro_Sport) October 1, 2020

Landon Donovan explains why his team forfeited a game it was winning in a tight playoff race after his player (who is out) received a homophobic slur. It comes the week after another SD player was the target of a racist slur.

Landon Donovan on why the team decided to forfeit tonight's match against Phoenix Rising FC. #SDvPHX pic.twitter.com/7BcqzZBSrV

— San Diego Loyal (@SanDiegoLoyal) October 1, 2020

Donovan is one of the most important men’s player in US soccer history, but this clear eyed explanation and leadership should be up there with among his most important achievements.