It was a shocking turn of events for Union left back Kai Wagner as Major League Soccer (MLS) announced on Tuesday that he has been suspended for three games for using racist language towards New England Revolution forward Bobby Wood during their playoff opener on October 28th.

In addition to the suspension, Wagner has been ordered to participate in a league-mandated education program, which he has already started. The league further stated that Wagner "must remain in full compliance with a program directed by a league-appointed restorative practices expert."

The suspension takes effect immediately, meaning Wagner will be ruled out of Wednesday's Game 2 of the Union's playoff series against New England. Currently, the Union lead the best-of-three series 1-0. If the Union were to lose the series, the remaining game of the suspension would carry over to next year. However, Wagner's contract with the Union is ending this season, making it unlikely for him to return regardless.

Should the Union fail to advance past the playoffs and lose to New England or Cincinnati in the conference semifinals, it will mark the end of Wagner's tenure with the Union. On the other hand, if the Union sweep New England, Wagner would miss the conference semifinal and conference final, should the Union make it that far.

It is worth noting that Wagner's three-game suspension is considerably shorter than the six-game ban given to the New York Red Bulls' Dante Vanzeir for a similar offense in April. MLS acknowledged in its official statement that Wagner's immediate acceptance of responsibility for his actions, his willingness to participate in a restorative practices process, and his cooperation with the league's investigation were factors taken into consideration when determining the length of the suspension.

Sources familiar with both players' proceedings revealed that Vanzeir was not as cooperative with the league during his investigation, including initially denying his offense. This played a major role in the disparity of the suspensions. The sources also mentioned ongoing efforts behind the scenes to prioritize education rather than solely relying on suspensions as a form of punishment, while still maintaining sufficient consequences.

The incident between Wagner and Wood occurred during a heated argument late in the game, following a foul committed by New England's Giacomo Vrioni on the Union's Nathan Harriel in the 86th minute. The altercation escalated, involving players from both teams, after referee Pierre-Luc Lauzière only blew the whistle upon realizing Harriel was injured.

The stoppage lasted over three minutes, and during the 88th minute, Wood and Vrioni engaged in a conversation with Lauzière and gestured towards someone. Shortly after, Wood made an eye-pointing gesture before being escorted away by a teammate. Lauzière took no further action in response to Wood and Vrioni's interaction, and it remains uncertain whether the referee will face any sanctions for his handling of the situation.

MLS has refrained from disclosing the specific language used by Wagner, following their usual practice of not publicly sharing such details. The league allowed Wagner to continue participating in Union practices throughout the investigation, only announcing his travel restriction to New England after his suspension was announced.

This turn of events marks a significant shift for Wagner, as he had previously been celebrated by Union fans who passionately chanted his name, urging the team to re-sign him instead of allowing him to become a free agent. However, the allegations have swiftly changed the mood surrounding Wagner's future with the Union, and there is now a possibility that he may never don the Union jersey again.

The Union have set off to New England following Tuesday's practice, leaving behind a wave of uncertainty surrounding Wagner's career and the repercussions of his actions on and off the field.

(Note: This article is based solely on the information provided and does not include any speculative or additional details.)