Major League Soccer announced that Philadelphia Union midfielder Fafa Picault and Orlando City SC midfielder Pierre da Silva each have been issued a three-game suspension and fined an undisclosed amount "for use of offensive language during a preseason, doubleheader, closed-door scrimmage on February 14."
Picault will serve his three-game suspension during the Union’s matches on March 3 against the New England Revolution, March 17 against Columbus Crew SC, and March 31 against the Colorado Rapids.
Orlando’s da Silva will serve his three-game suspension during matches on March 3 against D.C. United, March 10 against Minnesota United FC, and March 17 against New York City FC.
A league release announcing the suspensions included the following statement: "MLS has a zero tolerance policy against offensive, discriminatory language at its games (including pre-season games and scrimmages), and is committed to creating an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity."
