Fan caught on mic apparently shouting racial slurs at Miami Marlins player during game

A baseball fan in Denver apparently spat racial slurs at Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson on Sunday in a horrific incident condemned by the Colorado Rockies and the players’ union.

In the ninth inning at Coors Field, Brinson was at bat when the microphones on the plate appeared to pick up a male voice shouting, “hey n —–” at least twice.

Brinson, 27, from Coral Springs, Florida, didn’t seem to react demonstratively to racial slurs. Brinson and his teammates did not hear the insult, according to a team spokesperson.

But several fans in the front rows appeared to look up to their left after the racial abuse was heard.

“It is a painful reality that progress continues to be elusive in a world where ignorance and bigotry remain all too common” Tony Clark, President of the MLB Players Association said in a statement.

“While many are truly committed to respect and equality for all, the odious racial animosity displayed today in one of our stadiums shows that there is still a lot of work to be done.”

Clark added: “We must continue to work together to ensure that racism is never tolerated on or off the pitch.”

The fan who apparently shouted the insult could not be immediately identified.

“The Colorado Rockies are disgusted by a fan’s racist comments directed at Marlins’ Lewis Brinson in the ninth inning of today’s game. Although the subject was not identified until the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident, “the Rockies said in a statement.

“The Rockies have zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination, and any fan using derogatory language of any kind will be expelled and banned from Coors Field.”

The match drew a crowd of 34,667 people. It was “Faith Day” at Coors Field and many fans stayed after the game for a concert by Christian band MercyMe.

“I am absolutely disgusted by the language that was picked up by the microphones at the end of the game today”, says Paul Séverino, which calls Marlins games play-by-play on regional sports network Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun.

“The level of hatred that has been displayed has no place in this world. Unfortunately, it is still far too prevalent. We have to be better. And soon.”