Sebastian Lletget fined, suspended 2 games for use of homophobic slur

The Seattle Sounders have a tough matchup this weekend against LAFC, but when they return home next weekend they’ll be taking on LAFC’s chief rivals without one of their key contributors.

LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget has been suspended for two games by Major League Soccer for use of a “homophobic slur” in an Instagram post on April 9. Lletget will serve the suspension starting this weekend against the New York Red Bulls, and will also miss the May 2 matchup against the Sounders.

Lletget has been a key contributor to both the LA Galaxy and the US Men’s National Team since he arrived from West Ham United in 2015. In 2020 Lletget scored 6 goals and talled 4 assists in 20 games for the Galaxy. Lletget scored in the Sept. 27, 2020 game against the Sounders, a 1-1 draw.

The reason for the two-game suspension is unclear, as MLS has typically punished similar actions with three-game suspensions. Marc Burch, Colin Clark, and Alan Gordon all received three-game penalties from the league for similar language. Lletget did express immediate remorse for his actions, which may have played into his favor. A request for clarification from the league was not returned as of publication. This story will be updated if there is a response.

Lletget is required to attend diversity, equity and inclusion training through Athlete Ally.