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LA Galaxy to meet with player Aleksandar Katai after wife’s disturbing social media posts

LA Galaxy forward Aleksandar Katai works the ball against the Vancouver Whitecaps during an MLS game in Carson, Calif., on March 7. (AP file photo)

LOS ANGELES — The LA Galaxy will meet with new Serbian winger Aleksandar Katai on Thursday to discuss a series of alarming social media posts by his wife.

Tea Katai made the since-deleted posts on her Instagram story this week, the Galaxy confirmed Wednesday night in a statement that called the posts “racist and violent.”

The team says its meeting with Katai, who has appeared in only two games for the Galaxy, will “determine next steps.”

Tea Katai’s posts included a profane call, written in Serbian, to “kill” protesters. Another called protesters “disgusting cattle,” also in Serbian.

“The LA Galaxy strongly condemned the social posts and requested their immediate removal,” the team’s statement read. “The LA Galaxy stands firmly against racism of any kind, including that which suggests violence or seeks to demean the efforts of those in pursuit of racial equality. The LA Galaxy stand with communities of color, and especially the Black community, in the protests and fight against systemic racism, social inequality, bigotry and violence.”

From left, Chicago Fire forward Aleksandar Katai and San Jose Earthquakes goalkeeper Daniel Vega vie for the ball with Chicago defender Nick Lima during the second half of an MLS match in San Jose, Calif., on May 18, 2019. (AP file photo)

The 29-year-old Katai joined the Galaxy in December after spending his first two MLS seasons with the Chicago Fire. He has made nine appearances for Serbia’s national team, including three last year in Euro 2020 qualifying matches.

Aleksandar Katai disavowed his wife’s posts in a statement on his own Instagram account Wednesday night.

“These views are not ones that I share and are not tolerated in my family,” he wrote. “I strongly condemn white supremacy, racism and violence towards people of color. Black lives matter. This is a mistake from my family and I take full responsibility. I will ensure that my family and I take the necessary actions to learn, understand, listen and support the black community.”

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