The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued one fine and one suspension following Week 13 of the MLS regular season. In addition, the Independent Panel has ruled on one red card appeal.
Martinez violent conduct
The Disciplinary Committee has suspended Columbus Crew SC midfielder Cristian Martinez two games and fined him an undisclosed amount for violent conduct. The incident took place during the 54th minute of Columbus' match against Sporting Kansas City on May 27. Martinez will serve suspensions during Crew SC's matches on Saturday, June 2 against Toronto FC and on Saturday, June 9 agains tthe New York Red Bulls.
Higuain failure to leave the field
The Disciplinary Committee has fined Columbus Crew SC midfielder Federico Higuain an undisclosed amount for failure to leave the field in a timely and orderly manner during first-half stoppage time of Columbus' match against Sporting Kansas City on May 27.
Higuain red card appeal
The Independent Panel has unanimously rescinded the one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card issued to Columbus Crew SC midfielder Federico Higuain in first-half stoppage time of the team's match against Sporting Kansas City on May 27. The Panel consists of one representative each from the United States Soccer Federation and the Canadian Soccer Association, as well as one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization.
As a result of the appeal, Higuain is eligible to play in Crew SC's next regular-season game on June 2 against Toronto FC.
Each club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including playoffs. Since Columbus' appeal was successful, the team maintains its two unsucessful appeals for any future dismissals in the 2018 season.
