Major League Soccer suspended Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner on Tuesday for three matches for violating the league’s on-field anti-discrimination policy after the league launched an investigation into whether he used a racial slur against a New England Revolution player. Wagner will begin serving the penalty on Wednesday when the Revolution hosts the Union in Game 2 of their MLS Cup Eastern Conference semifinals matchup. MLS said in a statement that Wagner acknowledged wrongdoing. Political Cartoons View All 1237 Images“In reaching this decision, MLS considered many factors, including Wagner’s immediate acceptance of responsibility, willingness to participate in a restorative practices process to repair the harm caused, and his cooperation with the league’s investigation,” the league’s statement said. As part of the suspension, Wagner has begun MLS-mandated education and training, a process the league said will continue.

---

Persons: Kai Wagner, Wagner, Bobby Wood, Wood, ” Organizations: Major League Soccer, Philadelphia Union, New, Union, MLS, Eastern, Philadelphia, Athletic, New England Locations: New England, New, Hawaii