MLS Disciplinary Committee Takes Actions to Ensure Fair Play and Originality

 MLS Disciplinary Committee Takes Actions to Ensure Fair Play and Originality

MLS Disciplinary Committee Takes Actions to Ensure Fair Play(Image-Getty)

Following Matchday 24 of the 2023 season, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has made several decisions to uphold fair play.

Wilfried Nancy, the head coach of the Columbus Crew, has been suspended for an additional match, bringing the total to two matches. Additionally, Nancy has been fined an undisclosed amount due to his irresponsible behavior during the match against New York City FC on July 8. The incident occurred in the 87th minute and was reviewed under Disciplinary Committee Parameter 2. This parameter empowers the committee to impose further disciplinary measures beyond the mandatory suspension and fine if the offense is considered severe, poses a risk to player safety, compromises the integrity of the game, or involves repeated misconduct. Nancy's red card suspension will be served during the match against the Portland Timbers on July 15, while the additional match suspension will take place during the match against FC Cincinnati on August 20.

Federico Pizzuto, a member of the Columbus Crew technical staff, has also received a suspension for two additional matches, resulting in a total of three matches. He has been fined an undisclosed amount due to his violent conduct, specifically throwing liquid at a match official during the 88th minute of a match. Similar to Nancy's case, this incident was reviewed under Disciplinary Committee Parameter 2. Pizzuto's red card suspension will be served during the match against the Portland Timbers on July 15, followed by two additional match suspensions against FC Cincinnati on August 20 and Toronto FC on August 26.

Sebastián Ferreira, a forward for Houston Dynamo FC, has been suspended for one match and fined an undisclosed amount for his violent conduct during the 90th minute of the match against Sporting Kansas City on July 8. The incident was reviewed under MLS Disciplinary Committee Parameter 3, which applies when the match officials do not issue a red card, but the committee determines that the conduct warrants suspension. Ferreira's match suspension will take place during the game against Minnesota United FC on July 12.

Ian Murphy, a defender for FC Cincinnati, has been fined an undisclosed amount for failing to promptly leave the field during the 75th minute of the match against Charlotte FC on July 8.

Latif Blessing, a midfielder for the New England Revolution, has also received a fine of an undisclosed amount for not leaving the field in a timely manner during the 61st minute of the match against the New York Red Bulls on July 8.

Bongokuhle Hlongwane, a forward for Minnesota United FC, has been fined an undisclosed amount for engaging in simulation and embellishment during the 68th minute of the match against Austin FC on July 8.

Lastly, Daniel, the goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes, has been fined an undisclosed amount for failing to promptly leave the field during the 56th minute of the match against LAFC on July 8.