Concacaf probes in incident in the CCC game of LAFC-Colorado Rapids

Concacaf has initiated an investigation of an incident in the last minutes of the Concacaf Champion Cup game between Los Angeles FC and the Colorado Rapids after Sergi Palencia Chidozie Awaziem called a derogatory term.

Confusion arose at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles when the referee added six minutes to the second leg of the first series in the first round.

The head coach of Colorado Rapids, Chris Armas, later said that Awaziem was visibly upset after he was described as a derogatory term, which caused a standstill in the last moments of the game.

“Yes, there was an incident in the field. Our player Chidozie Awaziem was quite clear and annoyed by an derogatory term that he said of it was clear what was said,” said Armas. “Our club, me, is fully behind our player to support him in the examination to further examine what has gone down. He was visibly upset.”

A Concacaf spokesman confirmed ESPN that the organization will carry out a thorough investigation of the matter.

“Concacaf initiated an investigation of a reported incident between the players Chidozie Awaziem by Colorado Rapids and Sergi Palencia by Los Angeles FC last night in Concacaf Champions Cup game in Los Angeles.

When LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo was asked about the game about the situation, he promised his full support for the investigation and the players.

“He thought it was aimed at him. I don't know exactly what was said. I am sure that the referee will write a report. We will find out. We want to support the players,” said Cherundolo.

The Colorado Rapids made an explanation on Wednesday.

“The Colorado Rapids supports the ongoing examination of Concacaf in relation to the reported use of improper language by a LAFC player during the BMO stadium last night.

“As a club, we do not tolerate a form of abuse and we are together with our players who follow this very serious allegations. This language has no place in our game.”

Due to the rule of the away goals, the LAFC appeared in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 after moving 2-2 against the Colorado Rapids.

Although Colorado won the first leg 2-1, LAFC scored a goal in Dick's Sporting Goods Park and triumphed 1-0 in the second game to secure the ticket to the next round of the international tournament.

LAFC will now organize the Columbus crew at the BMO Stadium on March 4 for the first legs of the 16th series.