DC UNITED manager Wayne Rooney has replaced one of his players after allegations that he used a racial slur against an Inter Miami player.<br /><br />DC faced David Beckham's club in a crucial MLS clash at Audi Field that saw Inter earn a dramatic 3-2 victory in stoppage time.<br /><br />But the game was overshadowed after 59 minutes when a brawl broke out between the hosts' striker Taxiarchis Fountas and the visitors' Damion Lowe.<br /><br />Miami ace Aime Mabika also reacted angrily at Fountas with referee Ismail Elfath warning both the Greek player and Lowe.<br /><br />But the referee then proceeded to consult with the captains of both teams, as well as Rooney and Inter manager Phil Neville.<br /><br />After a delay of several minutes, the match continued when Fountas was carried off the pitch in the 66th minute.<br /><br />Miami star DeAndre Yedlin later said that Lowe was walking away after a fight with Fountas when "the guy called it the n-word."<br /><br />The visitors then refused to play until "something was done with that player".<br /><br />Yedlin said: "Damion and another player got into a bit of a fight: when Damion walks away from him, one of his guys called him the n-word."<br /><br />Neville backed up the former Tottenham ace's claims in his post-match interview when he claimed the "worst word in the world" was used during the game.<br /><br />The Manchester United hero insisted the "unacceptable" incident must be addressed.<br /><br />Neville said: "We need to address an issue that has perhaps been swept under the rug in the past, but we are a club that is proud of our diversity and inclusion in our staff and fans and there is no place for racism. we have soccer field or society.<br /><br />"A word was used that is unacceptable in society. It is the worst word in the world."<br /><br />Neville's former United teammate, Rooney, did not elaborate after the incident.<br /><br />But the legendary striker confirmed that there was a "complaint" that will be investigated.<br /><br />Rooney said: "There was a complaint, which I'm sure will be investigated. I can't say much more."<br /><br />According to The Athletics reporter Pablo Iglesias Maurer, Fountas has denied using the alleged insult.<br /><br />However, MLS confirmed that it will investigate the incident as there is "zero tolerance" for such abusive language.<br /><br />An official statement from the league read: "MLS has zero tolerance for abusive and offensive language and we take these allegations very seriously.<br /><br />"An investigation into this matter will begin immediately. Further information will be provided once that investigation is complete."<br /><br />DC United also confirmed that it will "work closely" with both MLS and Inter Miami to resolve the issue.<br /><br />A statement from the club read: “D.C. United is aware of allegations involving a player during the game against Inter Miami CF.<br /><br />"The club will work closely with Major League Soccer and Inter Miami to investigate the incident."
