Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee Suspends and Fines

Chivas USA Midfielder Michael Lahoud and D.C. United Head Coach Curt Onalfo

 

NEW YORK (May 4, 2010) – The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee today fined Chivas USA midfielder Michael Lahoud $500 and suspended him two games for a reckless tackle on Justin Mapp during Chivas USA’s game versus the Chicago Fire on Saturday, May 1. 

 

When Lahoud tackled Mapp in the 13th minute, the referee called a foul, but did not issue a card.  After reviewing the play, the MLS Disciplinary Committee unanimously determined that Lahoud’s actions were egregious and reckless and endangered the safety of his opponent. Mapp left the game after the tackle. As a result, the Committee suspended Lahoud for the next two MLS Regular Season games and fined him $500.

 

Lahoud will serve the two-game suspension during Chivas USA’s matches against New England on Wednesday, May 5 and against Houston on Saturday, May 8.

 

Also today, the MLS Disciplinary Committee fined D.C. United head coach Curt Onalfo  $1,000 and increased his suspension to two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games for his actions during United’s Open Cup play-in game against FC Dallas on April 28.

 

In the 32nd minute, the referee dismissed Onalfo for leaving his technical area and for improper behavior.   After reviewing the incident, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has suspended Onalfo for one additional game (coaches dismissed are automatically suspended for one game), and fined him $1,000 for his actions. 

 

Play-in games are subject to League discipline because they are not considered part of the tournament proper. The two-game suspension applies to the next two U.S. Open Cup matches that Onalfo’s team plays, beginning with the June 2 game against Real Salt Lake.

 

Fines collected are donated to MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer’s community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs.  MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport. For more information visit the website at http://www.MLSsoccer.com/works.

 

 

http://www.MLSsoccer.com