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Pittsburgh Riverhounds player used "racially offensive language" during match, opposing team says

/ CBS Pittsburgh

A soccer match between the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Hartford Athletic was halted on Saturday after a Riverhounds player was accused of using "racially offensive language."

The match ended in stoppage time after an altercation following a clash between Hartford's Marlon Hairston and Riverhounds midfielder Danny Griffin, per a . No cards were issued, but referee Greg Dopka ended the match after speaking with both coaches.

Hartford Athletic , saying, "Hartford Athletic's players and technical staff did not feel comfortable proceeding with the match." The Hartford front office has requested that the United Soccer League investigate the incident.

The Riverhounds also released a statement , adding that they are aware of the USL investigation requested by Hartford, but they "firmly deny such language was used."

The Riverhounds also say they will fully cooperate with the league's investigation.

Riverhounds' Danny Griffin says he "did not use a racial slur"

, Griffin denied using a racial slur during the match.

"This accusation is completely false and quite hurtful, in many ways," he said. "I stand strong against racism."

He said he has "fully cooperated" with the league's investigation and voluntarily took a polygraph exam.

"The results confirmed what I already knew, that I did not use a racial slur," he said. 

The Riverhounds also on Thursday, fully supporting Griffin. 

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