News Summary
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has announced multiple fines and warnings following incidents from Matchday 28 of the season. Key penalties were given to players and coaches for violations, including failing to leave the field promptly and mass confrontations. Notable incidents involved clubs such as Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and FC Cincinnati. The league aims to maintain professionalism and proper conduct with these actions, highlighting the importance of sportsmanship on the field.
New York City – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has announced a series of fines and warnings following incidents that occurred during Matchday 28 of the 2025 season. Notable disciplinary actions were taken against players and coaches from multiple teams owing to violations of league policies, including failure to leave the field in a timely manner and involvement in mass confrontations.
Among the reported fines, Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna received a penalty for not departing the field promptly during the 85th minute of his match against the New York Red Bulls on August 10. Similarly, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Édier Ocampo was fined for a similar violation during the 27th minute in his match against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9. Both instances highlight the league’s expectation for players to adhere to timely exit procedures.
Additionally, St. Louis CITY SC forward Sang Bin Jeong was penalized for making an inappropriate gesture during the 66th minute of their match against Nashville SC on the same day. This action further emphasizes the importance of maintaining sportsmanship on the field.
In a significant ruling, both Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC were found in violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy, occurring in the 77th minute of their match on August 9. This was particularly notable as Philadelphia Union violated this policy for the second time this season, which led to fines for the club and head coach Bradley Carnell. Conversely, this was Toronto FC’s first violation of the type, resulting in official warnings for the club and head coach Robin Fraser.
Several players from both clubs were also fined for their roles in escalating the confrontation. Players fined from Philadelphia Union include goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielder Quinn Sullivan, and forward Mikael Uhre. From Toronto FC, defenders Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores were subject to similar penalties.
Moreover, FC Cincinnati was penalized for violating the Mass Confrontation Policy during their match against Charlotte FC on August 10. This was their first offense this season, leading to penalties for the club and head coach Pat Noonan, along with fines imposed on players such as defenders Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, midfielder Evander, and forward Gerardo Valenzuela.
Other notable penalties include Colorado Rapids defender Jackson Travis, who was fined for failing to leave the field in a timely fashion in the sixth minute against LAFC on July 9. Additionally, LAFC forward Denis Bouanga received a fine for violating league policy by kicking an object towards fans during the same match.
Earlier in the season, Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez was suspended for one match and fined for violent conduct after the 56th minute of his match against Columbus Crew on February 22. Gutiérrez will serve his suspension during the upcoming match against D.C. United on March 1.
Furthermore, Inter Miami CF forwards Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi were both fined for violating the hands to the face/head/neck policy during halftime and post-match against New York City FC, also on February 22.
On February 23, Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller was fined for failing to leave the field promptly in the 11th minute during the match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Lastly, LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec was fined for violating the simulation and embellishment policy in the 69th minute against D.C. United.
The cumulative actions by the MLS Disciplinary Committee serve to reinforce the league’s commitment to maintaining professionalism and proper conduct during matches, responding decisively to instances that breach established protocols.
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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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