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Giuseppe, Hunter, Mark, and Domenic Barone.

(MLive file)

Grand Rapids FC announced Thursday that five players have left the team, most notably all four Barone brothers, following a postgame incident last week.

Forward Domenic Barone, midfielder Mark Barone, forward Hunter Barone, midfielder Giuseppe Barone, and midfielder Lito Esquivel, "will no longer be playing for the Boys in Blue," the soccer club posted on its website and on Facebook Thursday morning.

The release went on:



"While we are disappointed at this turn of events, we want to thank all five players for the time they have put in helping us on and off the field and wish them nothing but success with their future endeavors."

Owner Matt Roberts said he didn't wish to comment further.

The team, he said when contacted, is "focusing on the season ahead of us with the squad we have."

Joey Barone, the father of the four brothers and a long-time soccer coach in the area, said his son. Hunter, was kicked off the team by Roberts following a post-game incident last Friday following a 1-0 loss to Chicago FC United.

According to Joey Barone, Hunter got into a shouting match with an opposing player and Roberts rushed the field and was angry at Hunter Barone's behavior.

"Hunter was not right, there's no question about that," Joey Barone said of his son's actions toward the opponent, which, he added, stemmed from an incident during a college game. "But to have Matt Roberts say he embarrassed the team and without further discussion, that was not right."

Joey Barone said his son exchanged harsh words with Roberts, and that Hunter was informed Sunday morning by Roberts that he was off the team.

The father said the other brothers, along with Esquivel, then decided to also leave the team.

"Again, he (Hunter) was not right, but he (Roberts) is the adult here and to cut his legs out like that without discussing it or letting cooler heads prevail is not right ... it was a rushed decision."

Mark and Domenic Barone and Esquivel, a vice captain, have been associated with the team since its inaugural season in 2015. Giuseppe Barone just completed his freshman season and Hunter Barone his sophomore season at Michigan State.

Joey Barone said he still supports GRFC, "which I have since Day 1 and will continue to do."

When asked if it was still possible for the players to return, Barone said. "I don't know. It was their decision."

GRFC is at Michigan Stars FC on Friday and hosts Milwaukee Torrent at 5 p.m. Sunday at Houseman Field.

The team also announced defender Jake Vanderlaan (Achilles tendon) is out for the rest of the season.