LA Galaxy release Aleksandar Katai following ‘racist’ posts made by his wife on social media


LA Galaxy release midfielder Aleksandar Katai following ‘racist’ posts made by his wife on social media that called for protesters to be ‘killed’ during Black Lives Matter movement

  • LA Galaxy have released midfielder Aleksandar Katai from his contract
  • It comes after Katai’s wife, Tea, reportedly made ‘racist and violent’ posts online
  • Aleksandar disowned his wife’s posts in a statement on Instagram on Wednesday

LA Galaxy have released midfielder Aleksandar Katai following inflammatory messages posted on social media by the Serbian player’s wife earlier this week.

In the now-deleted Instagram posts, Tea Katai reportedly mocked the Black Lives Matter movement and urged violence against people protesting over the death of George Floyd at the hands of a white police officer.

One of the posts was a screenshot from a video showing two New York City police officers driving their vehicles through a crowd of demonstrators with the caption, in Serbian, that translates to ‘kill the s****!’

LA Galaxy have released Serbian midfielder Aleksandar Katai from his contract

It comes after Katai's wife, Tea (left), reportedly made 'racist and violent' posts on social media

It comes after Katai’s wife, Tea (left), reportedly made ‘racist and violent’ posts on social media

The other post shows an apparent looter with boxes of Nike shows with the caption ‘Black Nikes Matter’. The Associated Press reported Tea Katai also wrote another post in Serbian that described the protesters as ‘disgusting cattle.’

The MLS club were quick to condemn the posts, asking for them to be removed on Wednesday. 

‘Earlier today, the LA Galaxy were made aware of a series of racist and violent social media posts by Tea Katai, the wife of LA Galaxy midfielder Aleksandar Katai,’ the club said in a statement earlier this week.

‘The LA Galaxy strongly condemned the social posts and requested their immediate removal. The LA Galaxy stands firmly against racism of any kind, including that which suggests violence or seeks to demean the efforts of those in pursuit of racial equality.’

As in dozens of cities across the United States, thousands have joined demonstrations in Los Angeles against racism and police brutality.

‘The LA Galaxy stand with communities of colour, and especially the Black community, in the protests and fight against systemic racism, social inequality, bigotry and violence,’ the team said.

‘Now is the time to reflect on our role in helping fight racism in our community.’ 

Galaxy decided to release Katai from his contract after meeting with the player on Thursday. 

The 29-year-old joined the Galaxy in December after spending his first two MLS seasons with the Chicago Fire. He has made nine appearances for Serbia’s national team.

Aleksandar disowned his wife's posts in a statement on his Instagram account on Wednesday

Aleksandar disowned his wife’s posts in a statement on his Instagram account on Wednesday

He said what his wife wrote was 'unacceptable' and that he condemns white supremacy

He said what his wife wrote was ‘unacceptable’ and that he condemns white supremacy

Aleksandar disowned his wife’s posts in a statement on his own Instagram account on Wednesday night. 

‘These views are not ones that I share and are not tolerated in my family,’ he wrote.

‘I will ensure that my family and I take the necessary actions to learn, understand, listen and support the black community.

‘I am sorry for the pain these posts have caused the LA Galaxy family and all allies in the fight against racism.’

Katai had made two appearances for Galaxy this season before matches were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He made the move to Los Angeles following a stint at Chicago Fire and has previously played for Deportivo Alaves in LaLiga.