Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced the suspension of Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner for three games after he violated the league's on-field antidiscrimination policy. The suspension comes in response to a complaint filed by the New England Revolution on October 30, alleging that Wagner directed a racial slur at the Revs' Bobby Wood during a recent match.

Wagner will not be traveling with the Union for their playoff game against the Revolution in Foxboro, Massachusetts, as confirmed by coach Jim Curtin. Should the Union be eliminated from the playoffs prior to Wagner serving his full suspension, it will carry over to the start of the next season. In addition to the suspension, Wagner is required to undergo league-mandated education and training sessions, which have already begun. He must also remain in full compliance with a program directed by a league-appointed restorative practices expert.

According to multiple sources familiar with the situation, the incident occurred during the closing moments of the playoff game between the Union and Revolution on October 29. The match had been intense, and in the 87th minute, Revolution forward Giacomo Vrioni fouled Union defender Nathan Harriel, resulting in a yellow card. While the video assistant referee checked the play for a potential red card, broadcast footage showed several players from both teams exchanging heated words, including Wagner and Wood.

Sources claim that Wagner, who is German, allegedly directed a racial slur at Wood in German at that point. Wood, who speaks German and has played professional and youth football in Germany, alerted match officials about the alleged slur. The incident was subsequently noted in referee Pierre-Luc Lauziere's post-match report.

The racial slur Wagner allegedly used was historically directed towards Asian individuals, while Wood is of Japanese and African American descent.

This incident involving Wagner will be compared to a similar incident that occurred in April of 2023 involving Dante Vanzeir of the New York Red Bulls. Vanzeir also used a racial slur and was suspended for six games. However, sources with direct knowledge of the investigation state that Wagner received a lighter punishment due to his immediate admission of guilt, unlike Vanzeir. The league source stated that Wagner has been actively involved in all discussions surrounding the investigation.

In a news release, the league highlighted various factors that influenced their decision, including Wagner's immediate acceptance of responsibility, his willingness to participate in a restorative practices process, and his cooperation throughout the league's investigation.

The 26-year-old Wagner is currently in the final year of his contract with the Union and has reportedly attracted interest from clubs in Germany and the UK.