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Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran has received a two-game unpaid suspension following the use of a homophobic slur directed at a heckler during Sunday’s game at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox, in consultation with Major League Baseball, announced the suspension on Monday, which took effect starting with that evening’s game against the Texas Rangers. “In addition, Duran’s salary from the two-game suspension will be donated to PFLAG, the largest organisation in the United States dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people and their loved ones,” the team said in a statement shared by Fox News.

The incident occurred during the sixth inning of Boston’s 10-2 loss to the Houston Astros, where a fan reportedly taunted Duran, suggesting he would need a tennis racket to hit a pitch, according to NBC. In response, Duran turned to the fan and shouted, “Shut up, you f***ing f*****,” as reported by ESPN.

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Following the incident, Duran issued a public apology through the Red Sox on Sunday night. “During tonight’s game, I used a truly horrific word when responding to a fan,” Duran said in his statement. “I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed. I apologise to the entire Red Sox organisation, but more importantly, to the entire LGBTQ community.”

Duran acknowledged that he had let down his young fans who view him as a role model, adding, “I will use this opportunity to educate myself and my teammates and to grow as a person.”

On Monday, Duran further explained that the remark was made “in the heat of the moment” after being heckled throughout the game. He also mentioned that he immediately apologised to the umpire and the Texas catcher, who were close enough to hear the slur. “I’m assuming they cut the mic because of my inappropriate word,” he added.

Duran noted that several fans expressed their disappointment in him after the incident. The two-game suspension follows a precedent set in 2017 when similar penalties were issued for anti-gay slurs.

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