Wayne Rooney says Taxi Fountas is ‘struggling mentally’ after DC United striker is accused of racial slur during game
WAYNE ROONEY claims Taxi Fountas is "struggling mentally" amid an MLS racism storm.
The DC United striker was accused of using a derogatory slur against Inter Miami defender Damion Lowe.
The incident occurred during a Sunday 18 September clash between the two sides.
And Greek international Fountas - who denies the accusation - has decided to be with family over the weekend while an investigation continues.
The 27-year-old will miss Saturday night's game against Montreal.
Boss Rooney, who substituted him off immediately after the melee, explained how Fountas stayed in Greece after the international break.
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He said: "It's a serious situation and he is struggling a bit mentally with it.
"The most important thing now is to give him the time to be with his family, and we await the outcome of the investigation.
"Taxi is adamant that he hasn’t said the words which he was accused of. It’s been very difficult for him and his family, seeing things online and getting a lot of abuse."
Fountas took to social media in the aftermath to defend himself.
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He wrote: "That despicable racial slur is one I denounce and did not use.
"We had a hot discussion on the field. But I have not racially abused anyone. I firmly reject racism in any form. It is despicable."
Phil Neville's Inter Miami won the game but the mood was sombre afterwards.
Players revealed they were ready to walk off the pitch if no action was handed to Fountas.
Gaffer and former Manchester United team-mate Neville praised Rooney afterwards for the way he handled the situation.
He added: "There was a racist comment that was unacceptable.
"A word was used that I think is unacceptable in society. I think it's the worst word in the world.
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"I must give massive, massive respect to Wayne Rooney for dealing with it in the way that he did.
"I have always known him as a class act and today he went up in my estimation more than he has ever done, more than any goal he has ever scored."