The MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued an additional suspension, fined six players and one team, and warned one team and one coach, following Week 21 and midweek games in Week 22 of the 2018 MLS regular season.
Juarez aggressive behavior towards match official
The Disciplinary Committee has suspended Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Efrain Juarez an additional two games (three games total) and fined him an additional undisclosed amount for aggressive behavior toward a match official during the 77th minute of Vancouver’s match against the Seattle Sounders on July 21.
Juarez, who originally received a red card for his actions, will serve his red card suspension during the Whitecaps' match against Minnesota United on July 28. The midfielder will serve his additional two-game suspension during Vancouver’s next MLS regular season matches on Aug. 11 against the Portland Timbers and on August 4 against New York City FC.
Columbus-Orlando mass confrontations
24th minute
94th minute
The Disciplinary Committee has found both Columbus Crew SC and Orlando City in violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy during the 24th minute and 94th minute of the teams’ match on July 21. Orlando have been fined an undisclosed amount for the club’s second violation of league policy this season, while head coach James O’Connor has been issued an official warning for his first violation. Crew SC have been issued a warning for the club’s first violation of the league’s policy this season.
In addition, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has issued fines of undisclosed amounts to Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen, Orlando City SC goalkeeper Joe Bendik, and Orlando City SC midfielder Oriol Rosell for instigating and escalating a mass confrontation during the 94th minute of the teams’ match on July 21.
Hansen hands to face/head/neck
The Disciplinary Committee has found Columbus midfielder Niko Hansen in violation of the league’s policy regarding hands to the face, head or neck of an opponent. Hansen has been fined an undisclosed amount for his action in the 24th minute of Crew SC’s match against Orlando on July 21
Higuita simulation/embellishment
The Disciplinary Committee fined Orlando midfielder Cristian Higuita an undisclosed amount for simulation/embellishment in the 64th minute of Orlando’s match against New York City FC July 26.
Martinez failure to leave the field
The Disciplinary Committee has fined to Houston Dynamo midfielder Tomas Martinez an undisclosed amount for failure to leave the field in a timely and orderly manner during the 59th minute of Houston’s match against the Philadelphia Union on July 25
