Major Disciplinary Actions Announced in MLS

News Summary

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has imposed a series of fines, warnings, and suspensions following Matchday 28, addressing various player conduct violations during matches. Key issues included failure to adhere to exit protocols, inappropriate gestures, and breaches of the Mass Confrontation Policy, affecting multiple teams and players. The committee’s actions underscore efforts to maintain sportsmanship and proper conduct within the league while deterring unsportsmanlike behavior on the field.

Major Disciplinary Actions in MLS Following Matchday 28 of 2025 Season

Several disciplinary measures have been announced by the MLS Disciplinary Committee after Matchday 28, which took place in August 2025. The committee imposed fines, warnings, and suspensions related to violations of league policies during various matches, aiming to uphold sportsmanship and enforce league standards.

Infractions Related to Field Conduct and Gestures

One of the key disciplinary actions involved players failing to adhere to field exit protocols. Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna was fined for not leaving the field in a timely manner during the 85th minute of his team’s match against New York Red Bulls on August 10. Similarly, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Édier Ocampo was fined for his failure to leave promptly in the 27th minute of the game versus San Jose Earthquakes on August 9.

In addition, St. Louis CITY SC forward Sang Bin Jeong faced a fine for making an inappropriate gesture during the 66th minute of his team’s match against Nashville SC on the same day.

Violations of the Mass Confrontation Policy

Multiple teams and players were found in violation of the league’s Mass Confrontation Policy, which aims to prevent and penalize misconduct during on-field confrontations.

The Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC were both cited for violations during their respective matches on August 9. The Philadelphia Union committed the violation for the second time this season in the 77th minute, resulting in fines for the team and head coach Bradley Carnell.

Toronto FC was penalized for its first violation of the policy in the same match. The club and coach Robin Fraser received official warnings, emphasizing the league’s stance against on-field confrontations.

Players from both teams involved in inciting or escalating confrontations faced fines:

• Philadelphia Union: goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielder Quinn Sullivan, and forward Mikael Uhre
• Toronto FC: defender Richie Laryea, midfielder Deybi Flores

In a similar vein, FC Cincinnati was cited for violating the policy on August 10 during their match against Charlotte FC. The violation occurred in the 70th minute, marking Cincinnati’s first such breach this season. The club and its head coach, Pat Noonan, received official warnings, with fines issued to players Kyle Wright, Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, midfielder Evander, and forward Gerardo Valenzuela.

Specific Player Violations

Additional disciplinary actions involved individual behavioral violations:

• Colorado Rapids defender Jackson Travis was fined for failing to leave the field in a timely fashion during the sixth minute of the match against LAFC on July 9.
• LAFC forward Denis Bouanga was fined for violating league rules by kicking an object toward fans during the same match.
• Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez received a one-match suspension and a fine for violent conduct during the February 22 game against Columbus Crew. He is scheduled to serve his suspension on March 1 in a match against D.C. United.

Violations Related to Hands and Simulation Policies

Two high-profile players, Luis Suárez of Inter Miami CF and Lionel Messi, were fined for infractions involving hands or head/neck contact. Suárez was penalized for violation of the hands-to-face/head/neck policy during halftime of the February 22 match against New York City FC, while Messi was fined for a similar violation following the same game.

Another incident involved LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec, who was fined for violating the simulation/embellishment policy during the 69th minute of the game against D.C. United.

Additional Field Conduct Violations

Further fines involved players failing to leave the field properly, a key aspect of maintaining order during matches. Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller was fined for his delay in exiting the field in the 11th minute of the game against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on February 23.

Summary and Enforcement Efforts

The MLS Disciplinary Committee’s recent actions underscore league efforts to promote sportsmanship, ensure proper conduct during matches, and deter behaviors that could escalate into confrontations or unsportsmanlike conduct. Fines, warnings, and suspensions serve as tools to uphold competitive integrity and protect players, officials, and fans alike.

These disciplinary measures demonstrate ongoing enforcement of policies designed to foster a respectful environment on and off the field, with league officials closely monitoring and addressing violations in real-time.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Major MLS Teams Face Injury and Suspension Concerns Ahead of Weekend Matches
Lionel Messi’s Suspension Triggers Debate in MLS
Inter Miami’s Scoreless Draw Sparks Officiating Controversy
MLS All-Stars Defeat Liga MX in Austin Showdown
LAFC Player Status Update Ahead of Critical Match
Austin FC Faces Setback as Star Forward Brandon Vazquez Injured

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