Minnesota United striker Mason Toye has apologized for spitting on an FC Dallas player during Saturday’s game in Texas.
Toye was given a red card in stoppage time of the game on Saturday, which Minnesota United lost 5-3, after spitting at Dallas’ Reggie Cannon.
Video shared on social media shows the spitting incident, with Toye’s striker teammate Darwin Quintero reprimanding him immediately after.
In a statement posted on his Instagram page, Toye said his actions were “distasteful and inexcusable,” apologizing to Cannon for his actions, though claims he hadn’t aimed for Cannon.
“I want to apologize to MNUFC, our fans, the MLS, and most importantly Reggie Cannon and FC Dallas. My actions last night were distasteful and inexcusable, and there is no place for it in the game of soccer. Although it may not look like it, I had no intention of spitting on any player. However, I did spit and it did hit a player and because of that I will have to face the repercussions. It was a really stupid mistake and its one that I will most definitely learn from. Again, I am extremely sorry for my actions and hope for your forgiveness.”
Speaking to ProSoccerUSA.com, Cannon said members of the Minnesota United coaching team had apologized to him for the incident, after saying Toye “loogied-up and spit on me.”
“Phenomenal player and I have the most respect for him,” Cannon said of Toye, “but you don’t do that to someone. It’s disrespectful and it’s not okay. There’s no room for that in the game.”
Toye, a 20-year-old who was selected by the Loons 7th in the 2018 SuperDraft, has scored 4 goals for United this season in 9 games.
