CF Montréal on Sunday condemned alleged abusive chants directed at Israeli forward Dor Turgeman during an MLS match against the New England Revolution, saying it has opened an investigation with Major League Soccer and the Revolution into the incident.
The Canadian club issued its statement less than a day after Saturday's 2-2 draw, during which Turgeman said he heard fans chanting "Death to Israel" before celebrating his goal in front of the home crowd, sparking a confrontation on the field.
Dor Turgeman
(Photo: AP Photo/John Amis)
"CF Montréal is aware of allegations regarding discriminatory comments directed at a player by fans during last night's match against the New England Revolution," Montréal said in a statement. "The Club does not tolerate discrimination, or hateful behavior of any kind."
"We take these allegations very seriously and are currently reviewing the matter," the club added. "We are in contact with MLS and the New England Revolution as we work to establish all the facts and take the necessary actions."
The incident occurred after Turgeman scored his fourth league goal of the season. The Israeli striker celebrated in front of Montréal supporters, saying afterward that he had reacted to anti-Israel chants coming from the stands.
The celebration led to a confrontation on the field when Montréal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza ran toward Turgeman and shoved him. Players from both teams quickly became involved, prompting the referee to intervene.
After the match, Turgeman told teammates he had no regrets about his actions.
"From the first moment I heard 'Death to Israel' from the stands," he said. "It's not something that happens to me in games in the United States, only in Canada."
"Israel is above everything for me. I'm proud to be Israeli and proud of the national team I represent, so I made a gesture to show I wasn't listening to their curses and hatred toward my country. All my teammates supported me. I'd do exactly the same thing again. The only thing I'm sorry about is that we didn't win. That was more important."
Breza said his actions were intended to energize the home crowd rather than respond to the political dispute.
"I felt like I wanted the crowd to get more into the game," the goalkeeper said. "I wanted to push the crowd and get them to push the guys."
Neither MLS nor the New England Revolution had publicly announced disciplinary measures as of Sunday. The investigation remains ongoing.