Phoenix Rising FC’s game against San Diego Loyal SC abruptly ended Wednesday after Loyal players left the field in protest. The San Diego club later tweeted that a Rising player used a homophobic slur directed at a Loyal player.

San Diego’s players walked off the field just before the start of the second half.

Loyal SC held a 3-1 lead going into the start of the second half when players walked off, apparently ending the match. The team later confirmed it had forfeited the contest, which was played in San Diego.

USL Championship released a statement regarding the incident.

“We are aware of the alleged use of a homophobic slur in tonight’s match between San Diego Loyal SC and Phoenix Rising FC. Foul and abusive language of any type has absolutely no place in our society and will not be tolerated in USL matches,” the league statement said. “An investigation is currently underway to determine the facts surrounding the incident and more information will be provided as soon as it is available.”

The Loyal tweet offered more details, saying the slur was directed at Loyal SC midfielder Collin Martin.

During extra time in the first half, Martin — who is openly gay — was issued a red card by the official after retaliating against a Phoenix Rising FC player. After much discussion on the field between players, coaches and officials the red card was rescinded.

The game went into halftime after officials convened with both head coaches. But once both teams came out for the start of the second half, Loyal SC head coach Landon Donovan was given a red card for walking across the pitch during the first half commotion. 

That’s when San Diego Loyal SC walked off the pitch to stand with Martin and Donovan. It is unclear which member of Phoenix Rising FC was accused of using the slur.

Rising officials could not immediately be reached for comment late Wednesday and had not yet issued a statement about the incident. But Rising FC was poised to clinch first place in Group B with a win ahead of the playoffs.

The incident comes one week after San Diego Loyal SC forfeited its point in a 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy II after one a Loyal player was called a racial slur.

Wednesday’s game was it’s last of the season. A win for Loyal SC would have positioned them for a chance to make the 2020 USL Championship Playoffs, with help from other outcomes.