MLS probes antisemitic chants against Israeli player in Montreal

CF Montréal goalie Sébastian Breza pushes Dor Turgeman of the New England Revolution after he celebrated a goal in front of the Montreal fans during the first half of the team's game. Some Montreal fans allegedly hurled antisemitic comments and empty beer cans at Turgeman. Photo by Tim Austen /Getty Images

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Major League Soccer has launched an investigation into antisemitism and discrimination during a match in Montreal on Saturday night.

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The New England Revolution said its forward, Dor Turgeman, was subject to “antisemitic and discriminatory abuse” from CF Montréal fans during the teams’ game at Stade Saputo.

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While the team and league don’t indicate in their respective statements what was said to the 22-year-old, it’s reported to have included chants of “Death to Israel,” according to the Anti-Defamation League and Stop Antisemitism. 

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Early in the match, Turgeman notched a goal to put his team up 2-0 and proceeded to celebrate by the Montreal net, gesturing to home side supporters as a couple of beer cans and cups rained down on the pitch around him, as seen in multiple videos on X.

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The Revolution said it reported the “antisemitic and discriminatory abuse directed” at Turgeman to the league immediately and fully supports an investigation it hopes will end with those responsible held to account “for their unacceptable actions.”

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“There is zero tolerance for abuse, harassment, or discrimination in our game, and this behaviour must be unequivocally condemned,” the organization said in a statement. “The entire Revolution organization stands with Dor. No player should ever be subjected to abuse because of their race, ethnicity, religion or identity.

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“Antisemitism and all forms of hate have no place in our sport, our stadiums and our communities.”

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The league said it has zero tolerance for “hateful language.” The code of conduct policy for fans states that such behaviour can “result in ejection without refund, loss of ticket privileges for future games and revocation of season tickets” and bans of up to six months for “extremely disruptive or dangerous” conduct or repeated offences.

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In its own statement, CF Montreal said it was aware of the allegations, but didn’t specifically characterize the incident as antisemitism.