HAMTRAMCK (WWJ) – Detroit City FC officials are denouncing a recent racially motivated social media post disparaging the Yemeni community surrounding the club’s Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.
In a social media post Tuesday afternoon club officials said they are aware of a recent post showing a white man “disparaging the culture and traditions of our neighbors in the Yemeni community surrounding Keyworth Stadium.”
It was not immediately clear when the post was made or on what platform. The contents of the post were not disclosed.
The person involved was a contract employee of a club vendor who “does not represent Detroit City FC,” according to a statement from the club.
“His comments are inexcusable; the vendor has confirmed this individual will not return to work on behalf of our club,” the DCFC post said. “DCFC will not tolerate misogyny, homophobia, islamophobia, or any other form of discrimination by any representative of our club, on or off the pitch, whether in person or through social media.”
DCFC, playing in its second season in the USL Championship, the second tier of U.S. Soccer, has built a large following of fans over the last decade-plus, focusing heavily on social issues and inclusion, delivering one of the most passionate and unique stadium atmospheres in American sports.
“Detroit City FC is proud to be a diverse and inclusive club and is committed to making our stadium the most welcoming sporting venue in the US. To that end, we will continue to invest in public spaces, drive actions that bring communities together, and foster conversations that highlight our common humanity,” the club said.
In a tight playoff chase in the final stage of the season, DCFC played to a 1-1 draw with Memphis 901 FC on Saturday night. It was not clear if that was when the incident happened.