MLS Condemns Antisemitic Chants Against Israeli Player Dor Turgeman in Montreal Match

Major League Soccer (MLS) issued an official condemnation on August 3, 2026, following antisemitic chants directed at Israeli forward Dor Turgeman during a match between New England Revolution and Montreal. The league stated it is investigating the incident and emphasized its commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment, declaring that hate speech has no place in the sport.

New England Revolution also released a strong statement denouncing the antisemitic abuse Turgeman endured from Montreal fans during the away game. The club expressed full support for the league's investigation and called for accountability, underscoring zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment based on race, ethnicity, religion, or identity.

The incident occurred during a 2-2 draw when Turgeman scored his fourth goal of the season and celebrated in front of the Montreal supporters. According to Turgeman, chants of "Death to Israel" were heard from the stands, prompting a confrontation on the field. Montreal goalkeeper Sebastian Breza approached Turgeman and pushed him, leading to a scuffle involving players from both teams and requiring referee intervention.

After the match, Turgeman said he accepted what happened and noted that such antisemitic abuse was unusual in the U.S. but had occurred in Canada. He expressed pride in representing Israel and said he would repeat his gesture to block out the hateful chants. Breza commented that his actions aimed to energize the crowd and boost his team’s morale.

The MLS and New England Revolution’s swift responses highlight ongoing efforts to combat discrimination in soccer and maintain safe, respectful sporting environments.