CNN)Landon Donovan says "it is an immense source of pride" to be able to coach Collin Martin, the victim of an alleged homophobic slur during San Diego Loyal's match against Phoenix Rising on Wednesday
Donovan and Martin led San Diego in walking off the pitch in protest over the alleged incident just after half time, causing the team to forfeit the match and end their chances of reaching the playoffs.
The alleged abuse was directed at midfielder Martin after he was issued a red card at the end of the first half, with the Loyal leading 3-1 in the second-tier USL Championship. The red card was subsequently rescinded.
Martin came out as gay in June 2018 while with Minnesota United. Donovan, the former captain of the US Men's National Team, praised Martin and the rest of his team for choosing to walk off, something that is regularly spoken about in soccer when players are confronted with abuse, but rarely carried out.