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FOUL PLAY - Reggae Boy Flemmings facing sanctions for alleged anti-gay slur

Published:Friday | October 2, 2020 | 12:16 AMRachid Parchment/Assistant Sports Editor -
Jamaica forward Junior Flemmings (foreground) comes under a challenge from United States forward Jozy Altidore during a Concacaf Gold Cup semi-final football match in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 3, 2019. Flemmings has received flak after allegedly using
Jamaica forward Junior Flemmings (foreground) comes under a challenge from United States forward Jozy Altidore during a Concacaf Gold Cup semi-final football match in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 3, 2019. Flemmings has received flak after allegedly using a homophobic slur in a US soccer league. He has denied the claim.

Junior Flemmings was having the season of his life at Phoenix Rising in the United Soccer League (USL).

But an alleged anti-gay barb could turn out to be a fatal trip in the Jamaican’s football career in the United States.

The second-tier football league has a niche audience, but the striker has stolen headlines globally for the wrong reason.

It is alleged that during Phoenix’s game against San Diego Loyal on Wednesday night, Flemmings used a Jamaican homophobic slur towards his opponent, Collin Martin, an openly gay player. The alleged incident was followed by Loyal leaving the field in protest and forfeiting the game despite leading 3-1 at half-time.

Flemmings has since denied the allegation, saying that Loyal’s actions have disappointed him. The former Tivoli Gardens forward said he has been “mauled and ridiculed online with no opportunity to defend myself”.

Flemmings is now awaiting the outcome of investigations by his club and the USL into the matter.

“We are aware of the alleged use of a homophobic slur in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC,” the USL said in a statement.

“Foul and abusive language of any type has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches.”

If found guilty of the allegation, he could find himself in a similar position to that of former LA Galaxy II player Omar Ontiveros, who, like Flemmings, was involved in a controversy with Loyal.

Just eight days prior to the Phoenix-Loyal match, Ontiveros was accused of using a racial slur against a black Loyal player. He was subsequently fined and slapped with a six-game suspension by USL for “using foul and abusive language”. He was then fired from Galaxy II.

Athlete brand manager Tanya Lee, while declining to pronounce on Flemmings’ culpability until a hearing is completed, said it would be unfortunate if Flemmings were to suffer the same fate as Ontiveros.

“Junior Flemmings has always represented himself, his teams, and his country in a positive and exemplary manner, and so I do hope he is thus given the benefit of the doubt in this situation where he has denied using a homophobic slur,” Lee told The Gleaner on Thursday.

She said that such a sanction could have a negative impact on his career.

“Certainly, given the tense political and racial climate in America, if this allegation is true, it could negatively affect his career,” Lee said.

“The power dynamic surrounding the situation is not lost on me, either.”

Flemmings’ Jamaican homeland has been criticised for normalising homophobia, with many of its dancehall artistes denounced for anti-gay lyrics.

The nation’s resistance to repealing a more-than-century-old buggery law has also been criticised. Gay men are often described pejoratively as ‘b***yboys’.

Flemmings’ alleged utterance has drawn outrage from Loyal coach Landon Donovan, the biggest face of the sport in America.

“Hopefully, for Flemmings, this is amicably resolved,” Lee said.

Flemmings, who was named USL’s Player of the Month for August, has scored 14 goals this season.

rachid.parchment@gleanerjm.com