News Summary
Major League Soccer has announced disciplinary actions including fines, warnings, and suspensions after serious violations in recent matches. Key players were penalized for issues like failing to leave the field promptly, violent conduct, and inappropriate gestures. Teams such as Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC faced consequences for crowd-related altercations, with several players from different clubs being fined. The league emphasizes the importance of upholding sportsmanship and integrity in the competitive environment, ensuring that players adhere to established conduct rules.
MLS Disciplinary Actions Announced Following Matchday 28 of 2025 Season
Major League Soccer has issued a series of fines, warnings, and suspensions following disciplinary violations during matches played on August 9 and 10, 2025. The disciplinary committee addressed incidents related to player conduct, crowd interactions, and rule violations, ensuring adherence to league policies for fair play and sportsmanship.
Player Fines and Penalties for On-Field Conduct Violations
Diego Luna, midfielder for Real Salt Lake, was fined after failing to leave the field promptly during the 85th minute of the August 10 match against the New York Red Bulls. Similarly, Édier Ocampo, a defender for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, received a fine for not leaving the field quickly during the 27th minute of the game against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9.
Sang Bin Jeong, forward for St. Louis CITY SC, was fined for making an inappropriate gesture in the 66th minute of the match versus Nashville SC on August 9. Additionally, defender Jackson Travis of Colorado Rapids was fined for failing to leave the field her delivery in a timely manner in the sixth minute of the match against LAFC on July 9, though the disciplinary action was announced recently.
Fines were also issued to several players for violations related to violent conduct and unsportsmanlike behavior. Brian Gutiérrez of Chicago Fire FC received a one-game suspension and a fine for violent conduct in the 56th minute of the match against Columbus Crew on February 22; this suspension will be served on March 1 in a match against D.C. United. Gabriel Pec of LA Galaxy was fined for violating the simulation/embellishment policy during the 69th minute against D.C. United.
Violations of the Mass Confrontation Policy
The league investigated multiple incidents involving mass confrontations and crowd-related altercations in recent matches. Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC each faced violations during their respective matches on August 9, with the Union being found in violation for the second time this season.
Philadelphia Union and their head coach, Bradley Carnell, were fined for their roles in the incident. The club and coach received official warnings. Players from Philadelphia Union—goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielders Quinn Sullivan and Mikael Uhre—were fined for inciting or escalating the confrontation.
Toronto FC also violated policy for the first time this season during their match against Philadelphia Union. The club and their head coach, Robin Fraser, received official warnings, while players Richie Laryea and Deybi Flores were fined for inciting or escalating the conflict.
FC Cincinnati was penalized for a mass confrontation incident that occurred in the 70th minute of their game against Charlotte FC on August 10. This marked their first violation of the season. The club, along with head coach Pat Noonan, received an official warning. Several defenders—Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, and DeAndre Yedlin—as well as midfielder Evander and forwards Gerardo Valenzuela were fined for inciting or escalating the confrontation.
Other Notable Disciplinary Actions
Additional fines were imposed for specific rule violations. Kamal Miller of the Portland Timbers was fined for not leaving the field swiftly in the 11th minute of the match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on February 23. Denis Bouanga of LAFC was fined for violating league policy by kicking an object towards fans during their contest on July 9.
Summary of Penalties for Specific Incidents
- Fines for failing to leave the field promptly: Diego Luna, Édier Ocampo, Kamal Miller, Jackson Travis
- Violent conduct: Brian Gutiérrez
- Simulation/embellishment: Gabriel Pec
- Unsporting gesture: Sang Bin Jeong
- Object kicking towards fans: Denis Bouanga
The disciplinary committee continues to enforce policies aimed at promoting professional conduct and maintaining integrity on the field. The league has emphasized that violations of conduct, especially those involving mass confrontations and unsportsmanlike behavior, will result in fines, warnings, or suspensions as necessary.
Conclusion
The series of fines and warnings reflect the league’s commitment to conduct regulation amid a competitive season. Teams and players are expected to adhere strictly to established rules to ensure a fair and respectful sporting environment for all participants and fans.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major MLS Teams Face Injury and Suspension Challenges Ahead of Key Weekend Matches
Critical Developments in Messi’s MLS Journey
Inter Miami Draws Against FC Cincinnati Amid Controversies
Brandon Vazquez Suffers Season-Ending Knee Injury
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
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
