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If Saturday was Ilie Sanchez's last time speaking to the media as an Austin FC player, he certainly didn't hold anything back.
Sanchez, who was Austin FC's captain the last two seasons and is likely to become a free agent this winter, said he is in favor of abolishing ICE following the Verde and Black's 2-0 loss to Portland at Q2 Stadium in their MLS season finale.
"I would personally like to say: abolish ICE," Sanchez said. "That's what the biggest issue has been lately. And looking at the future, I think that when we had the union between the supporters and Austin FC, we were unstoppable. Or at least you could see a different vibe or even different performances. That's my humble opinion. I hope that things improve and things get better, and things get where this club deserves and the supporters deserve. I would like to leave saying 'thank you' because it's been a pleasure to be a part of this team and city."
MORE:Austin FC responds to walkout after removal of fan with "Abolish Ice" shirt
Austin FC and anti-ICE demonstrations
Austin FC received considerable backlash online and from its fans following the Sept. 26 removal of former city council candidate Daniela Silva from Q2 Stadium for violating the venue policy that states, "Signs, symbols, or images displayed for commercial purposes for electioneering, campaigning or advocating for or against any candidate, political party, legislative issues or government action is prohibited."
Silva was wearing an "Abolish ICE" shirt inside the stadium about a week after a federal immigration officer shot a Venezuelan food delivery driver in Austin.
Some supporters' groups staged a walkout shortly after kickoff the next home match Oct. 10 against Nashville and have urged the club in social media postings to take action – and even publicly come out against the federal agency – on issues involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Austin FC released a statement expressing support for its fans and the immigrant community but did not go as far as Sanchez did Saturday.
Sanchez, 35, is from Barcelona, Spain and has played in MLS since 2017. Austin FC has an option to renew his contract for 2027, but given his age, declining play and speaking of his time with the club in the past tense, that seems unlikely.
This article originally published at 'Abolish ICE': Austin FC captain, citing rift with fans, makes bold proclamation.
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/abolish-ice-austin-fc-captain-131002441.html