Richard Chaplow handed two-game ban by USL
Thursday 25 August 2016 00:08, UK
Richard Chaplow has been banned for two games by the United Soccer League after using "offensive and abusive language".
The punishment comes after United States international Robbie Rogers posted on his Facebook page about receiving homophobic abuse while playing for LA Galaxy II against Chaplow's Orange County Blues, an allegation denied by Chaplow.
On Monday Major League Soccer reacted, saying a joint investigation would take place alongside USL.
And Chaplow, whose former clubs include Burnley, West Brom, Preston and Southampton, was sanctioned on Wednesday.
A USL statement read: "The United Soccer League has suspended Orange County Blues FC midfielder Richard Chaplow for two games and fined him an undisclosed amount for offensive and abusive language directed at another player during his team's game against the LA Galaxy II on Aug. 20.
"The suspension was determined following the USL Disciplinary Committee's investigation into the matter that included a video review, speaking with the referee, as well as players and staff from both teams.
"The USL has zero tolerance for this type of behavior," said Jake Edwards, President of the USL. "We cannot, nor will we, condone any language that is counter to the values we have instilled throughout the USL."
OC Blues, who are coached by former Liverpool, Sunderland and Newcastle defender Barry Venison, have launched their own formal investigation into the claims.
Chaplow has admitted swearing at Rodgers but denied using homophobic abuse.
"I have been banned for swearing at a player, not homophobic slurs," Chaplow told the Daily Telegraph.
"At no point in the statement is a homophobic slur made reference to, and the simple reason for this is it didn't happen.
"I swore several times at Rogers for over reacting to a foul, but at no time was the language homophobic and no evidence has been found of this, hence the way the statement has been wrote.
"I feel it's important that people realise what the ban is for.
"I have a close family member that is openly part of LGBT community so to suggest I'm homophobic is ridiculous and there is no evidence to support this."
