News Summary
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has imposed fines and warnings on players and coaches following various violations during Matchday 28. Key incidents include fines for players from Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and St. Louis CITY SC for failing to adhere to league conduct policies. Notably, both the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC received penalties for violating the Mass Confrontation Policy. Further ramifications included fines for FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, and multiple players for various infractions. The committee continues to enforce rules to ensure discipline and sportsmanship in the league.
Sandy, Utah – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee announced a series of fines and warnings following violations that occurred during Matchday 28 of the 2025 season, affecting players and coaches from multiple teams across the league.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna was fined for failing to exit the field in a timely manner during the 85th minute in a match against the New York Red Bulls on August 10. Similarly, Édier Ocampo, a defender for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, received a fine for the same reason in the 27th minute of a match against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9.
Forward Sang Bin Jeong of St. Louis CITY SC was punished with a fine for making an inappropriate gesture in the 66th minute of the match against Nashville SC on August 9. The MLS Disciplinary Committee closely monitors on-field behavior and has acted decisively this week to maintain discipline among players.
In a significant ruling, the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC were found in violation of the league’s Mass Confrontation Policy during their match on August 9. While this marked the first violation for Toronto FC, it was notably the second such offense for the Philadelphia Union this season, resulting in fines for both the team and head coach Bradley Carnell.
Several Union players faced fines for their role in escalating the confrontation, including Andre Blake, Quinn Sullivan, and Mikael Uhre. Toronto FC players Richie Laryea and Deybi Flores also received fines for their conduct during the match.
FC Cincinnati was similarly fined for their involvement in a mass confrontation during the 70th minute against Charlotte FC on August 10. This incident was notable as it marked their first violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy for the season. Both the club and head coach Pat Noonan received official warnings, while Cincinnati players including Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, Evander, and Gerardo Valenzuela were fined for inciting and escalating the situation.
In other disciplinary actions, Colorado Rapids defender Jackson Travis was fined for not leaving the field promptly in the sixth minute of a match against LAFC on July 9. LAFC forward Denis Bouanga also received a fine for a separate incident involving kicking an object towards fans during the same match.
Furthermore, Brian Gutiérrez of Chicago Fire FC was handed a one-match suspension and a fine for violent conduct in the 56th minute of the match against Columbus Crew on February 22, which he will serve on March 1 against D.C. United.
Inter Miami CF players Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi were fined for violations of the hands to the face/head/neck policy, an incident occurring during halftime and after the match against New York City FC on February 22, respectively.
Other fines included Kamal Miller of Portland Timbers for failing to leave the field in the 11th minute of the match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on February 23, and Gabriel Pec of LA Galaxy for violating the simulation/embellishment policy in the 69th minute of the match against D.C. United.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee remains vigilant in enforcing league policies to ensure sportsmanship and discipline within the league, addressing violations promptly to maintain a competitive and respectful environment for players and teams.
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Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: Diego Luna Fined
- Google Search: MLSSoccer disciplinary committee
- MLS Soccer: Denis Bouanga Fined
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- Front Row Soccer: Brian Gutiérrez Suspension
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disciplinary Action
- MLS Soccer: Gabriel Pec Fined
- Google News: MLS disciplinary committee latest
- Hudson River Blue: Messi Controversy
- Google Scholar: MLS player conduct
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