New York City, NY, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued fines and warnings to various players and teams for infractions during Matchday 28 of the season. Notable incidents include players failing to leave the field promptly, making inappropriate gestures, and mass confrontations among teams. Repeat offenders like the Philadelphia Union are also highlighted, along with individual sanctions for specific player misconduct. The decisions aim to uphold sportsmanship and player safety throughout the league.
New York City, NY – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has taken action following incidents during Matchday 28 of the 2025 season, issuing fines and warnings to players and clubs for various infractions. The rulings, announced on August 11, address multiple violations relating to player conduct and mass confrontations during games.
Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake and Édier Ocampo from Vancouver Whitecaps FC were fined for failing to leave the field in a timely manner, each during crucial moments of their respective matches. Luna’s infraction occurred in the 85th minute against the New York Red Bulls on August 10, while Ocampo left the field late in the 27th minute during a match against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9.
In addition, Sang Bin Jeong of St. Louis CITY SC was penalized for making an inappropriate gesture during the 66th minute of the match against Nashville SC, which was also played on August 9.
The Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC found themselves in violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy in the 77th minute of their match on August 9. This marks a repeat violation for the Philadelphia Union, who have already faced disciplinary action for the same issue earlier in the season. Both teams, along with their head coaches – Bradley Carnell for Philadelphia Union and Robin Fraser for Toronto FC – received fines and warnings accordingly.
Specific players were also fined for their involvement in escalating the confrontation during that match, including Philadelphia Union players Andre Blake, Quinn Sullivan, and Mikael Uhre, as well as Toronto FC players Richie Laryea and Deybi Flores.
Further violations were reported when FC Cincinnati received an official warning for inciting a mass confrontation against Charlotte FC in the 70th minute on August 10. This was their first violation of the season, and several Cincinnati players were fined for their roles in the incident, including defenders Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, midfielder Evander, and forward Gerardo Valenzuela.
Additional sanctions included fines for Colorado Rapids defender Jackson Travis, who was noted for a delayed exit from the field against LAFC on July 9, and LAFC forward Denis Bouanga, who was penalized for kicking an object towards fans during the same match.
A suspension was handed down to Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez for violent conduct against Columbus Crew on February 22. He will serve a one-match suspension on March 1 against D.C. United following an earlier fine for the incident.
Moreover, Inter Miami CF players, including forwards Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi, were issued fines for violating the hands to the face/head/neck policy during their match against New York City FC on February 22. Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller was also fined for a delayed exit during a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on February 23.
Finally, LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec received a fine for violating the simulation/embellishment policy in the 69th minute against D.C. United.
Summary of Disciplinary Actions
| Player/Team | Infraction | Match Date |
|---|---|---|
| Diego Luna | Failed to leave the field | August 10 |
| Édier Ocampo | Failed to leave the field | August 9 |
| Sang Bin Jeong | Inappropriate gesture | August 9 |
| Philadelphia Union | Mass Confrontation Policy violation | August 9 |
| Toronto FC | Mass Confrontation Policy violation | August 9 |
| FC Cincinnati | Mass Confrontation Policy violation | August 10 |
| Jackson Travis | Failed to leave the field | July 9 |
| Denis Bouanga | Kicking object towards fans | July 9 |
| Brian Gutiérrez | Violent conduct | February 22 |
| Luis Suárez | Hands to face/head/neck | February 22 |
| Lionel Messi | Hands to face/head/neck | February 22 |
| Kamal Miller | Failed to leave the field | February 23 |
| Gabriel Pec | Simulation/embellishment | (Date not specified) |
FAQ
What is the Mass Confrontation Policy in MLS?
The Mass Confrontation Policy is a set of guidelines established by MLS to manage player conduct during confrontational situations on the field. It aims to ensure player safety and maintain sportsmanship.
What actions lead to fines in MLS?
Players may be fined for various infractions, including but not limited to failing to leave the field promptly, engaging in inappropriate gestures, inciting confrontations, and committing violent conduct.
How is a player’s suspension determined?
A player’s suspension is typically determined based on the severity of their infraction and whether they have committed similar violations in the past.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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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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