Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner's suspension for violating Major League Soccer's on-field discrimination policy has been lifted for the team's opening game of the season. Wagner, who received a three-game suspension in November during last season's playoffs after allegations of using a racial slur against New England Revolution forward Bobby Wood, was set to have his suspension extend into this season. However, MLS announced on Monday that Wagner had successfully completed the league's new restorative practices program.
The Union will kick off their regular season at home on Saturday against the Chicago Fire. The suspension stemmed from an investigation into claims that Wagner directed a racist term towards Wood during a playoff match. The incident occurred in the 86th minute of Game 1, where video footage captured an argument between the two players. Wood, who has Japanese and African-American heritage, and Wagner, a German native, were involved in the altercation. Notably, Wood is fluent in German, having played in Germany for 14 years at both the youth and professional levels.
Earlier this month, MLS and its players' union introduced a new joint anti-discrimination policy in collaboration with Black Players for Change. This policy emphasizes a restorative approach to address issues of discrimination within the league. Wagner, who is entering his sixth season with Philadelphia, has been recognized for his on-field performance, being named an MLS All-Star in 2021 and 2022, as well as earning a spot in the MLS Best XI in 2022.
