Houston Astros' Yuli Gurriel suspended for making racist gesture
Last Updated: 29/10/17 12:38am
Yuli Gurriel of the Houston Astros has been suspended for five games after making a racist gesture at Dodgers pitcher Yu Darvish during the World Series.
The suspension will not take place until the start of next season, meaning Gurriel will be free to participate in the rest of the World Series.
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said he didn't think it would be fair to penalise the rest of the Astros by suspending Gurriel during the World Series, but he said he understood that other people might take a different view.
"I understand people will have different views but it was my best judgement that this timing was appropriate," Manfred said.
"There is complete unanimity there is no place in our game for any behaviour like the behaviour we witnessed last night.
"There's no excuse that makes that behaviour acceptable."
The Astros hold a 2-1 World Series lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers, and won the game 5-3 in front of their fans at Minute Maid Park.
First baseman Gurriel was forced to apologise after the game for an offensive gesture he appeared to aim at Dodgers pitcher Darvish.
Cuban import Gurriel hit a home run off the Japanese pitcher in the second inning to give the Astros the lead but was then caught in the dugout making a gesture with his eyes as well as appearing to use the word "chinito" which translates to "little Chinese".
