Orange Walk Football Association releases names of suspended players in racial abuse incident

Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 7:47 pm CST.

Orange Walk champions Yo Creek United in the middle of the storm – Photo Credit: Yo Creek United

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: In an unprecedented disciplinary move, the Orange Walk Football Association (OWFA) has suspended three Yo Creek United players for alleged racial slurs directed at Mi Gente player Mark Bainton during the first leg of the 2024-2025 Closing Championship semifinal on Sunday, May 4, at the Louisiana Football Field.

The OWFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed that Luis Chi, Juan Diaz, and Amilcar Jones are banned from all football activities for one year and seven months following the incident at Louisiana Football Field.

According to the official match report, Bainton informed the referee multiple times that he was being called offensive names, including “black monkey,” by Chi. Diaz allegedly told Bainton that, because he was Black, he believed he could do anything he wanted, while Jones reportedly reiterated similar remarks. The situation escalated when another Mi Gente player overheard the ongoing verbal abuse and alerted the match commissioner. Following consultation with both team captains, the match was ultimately abandoned after Mi Gente refused to continue playing unless Chi was removed from the field. At the time, Yo Creek United were leading 4-2 in the 82nd minute.

This marks the first time that players in Belize have been suspended for racial slurs or chants. In response, the Football Federation of Belize has indicated that it is reviewing the matter and may take further action.

OWFA President Ladrick Sheppard reaffirmed the association’s commitment to respect and fairness in football, emphasizing that discriminatory behavior has no place in the sport.
Meanwhile, Yo Creek United maintains its stance against racism but disputes the allegations, citing a lack of evidence. The club asserts that its players were not granted due process in the disciplinary proceedings and stands behind them.

Mark Bainton of Mi Gente of Guinea Grass, back row, far right, said he was called a Black Monkey during the match against Yo Creek United last Sunday. Photo Credit: Mi Gente

Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.

© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.

The post Orange Walk Football Association releases names of suspended players in racial abuse incident appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 7:47 pm CST. Orange Walk champions Yo Creek United in the middle of the storm – Photo Credit: Yo Creek United
The post Orange Walk Football Association releases names of suspended players in racial abuse incident appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.