MLS & Vancouver Whitecaps release statement after assault on academy players

Major League Soccer and the Vancouver Whitecaps have released a statement in support of three academy players who were assaulted in an alleged racially motivated attack. 

The Canadian team confirmed one player was in the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery. A suspect has been arrested. 

CBC report the 17-year-old was stabbed in Burnaby, in British Colombia, Canada, on Saturday.

The MLS' statement read: “Major League Soccer is aware that three Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy players were violently assaulted in an allegedly racially motivated attack on the evening of Saturday, August 14.

"Our first priority is to continue to support the health, safety and well-being of our players and their families during this painful and upsetting time. We stand united in unequivocally condemning violence, discrimination, racism and hate in all of its destructive forms.

"Major League Soccer and the Whitecaps are working together to closely monitor the situation. We are all committed to supporting that anyone proven to be involved in this assault is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

"Enough is enough. We are heartbroken and sickened by the allegations and strongly condemn all forms of discrimination, racism, and hate," added the Whitecaps statement.

"Such disgusting behaviour has absolutely no place in our community. We will do everything to support our players affected and urge the toughest punishment possible for those responsible."