Seattle, WA – Seattle Sounders FC defender Marc Burch issued an apology Friday after apparently using a homophobic slur that was caught on camera during an MLS match against Real Salt Lake on Thursday night.
"I apologize for my horrific choice of words last night during our match. This is something that is inconsistent with my family values and because of that I am both disappointed and embarrassed by my level of poor judgment," Burch said in the statement released Friday.
"I take seriously my role as a leader in the community and this is completely regrettable and unacceptable. Character matters and I hope through hard work on and off the field to begin earning your respect and trust again."
Burch directed the slur toward Real midfielder Will Johnson with 15 minutes to go in the match. Seattle won, 1-0, to advance to the Western Conference final.
Houston Dynamo midfielder Colin Clark was suspended three matches earlier this season after saying a similar slur that was also caught on camera.
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