August 13, 2025

MLS Disciplinary Committee Issues Fines and Warnings

News Summary

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has announced fines and warnings following various conduct violations from matchday 28. Key actions include fines for players from Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and St. Louis CITY SC for player conduct and policy violations. Further penalties were issued for teams like Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati for violating the Mass Confrontation Policy. Additional fines were assessed for other players for separate infractions, highlighting ongoing issues related to player behavior and adherence to league rules.

New York City – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has issued a series of fines and warnings following incidents from matchday 28 of the 2025 season, which took place on August 9 and 10. Among the most notable actions taken were fines for players from Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, St. Louis CITY SC, and others for both player conduct and violations of league policies.

Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna and Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Édier Ocampo were both fined for failing to leave the field in a timely manner during their respective matches. Luna committed the infraction in the 85th minute against the New York Red Bulls, while Ocampo was penalized for a similar delay in the 27th minute against the San Jose Earthquakes.

In a separate incident, St. Louis CITY SC forward Sang Bin Jeong received a fine for making an inappropriate gesture during the 66th minute of his match against Nashville SC. This behavior is not acceptable within the league and drew disciplinary action.

The Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC faced consequences for violations related to the Mass Confrontation Policy in their match on August 9. The incident occurred in the 77th minute, leading to both teams being penalized. The Philadelphia Union has now violated this policy two times this season, prompting not only a fine for the club and head coach Bradley Carnell but also fines for several players including goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielder Quinn Sullivan, and forward Mikael Uhre. Toronto FC, which found itself in a similar situation for the first time, was issued Official Warnings for head coach Robin Fraser and players Richie Laryea and Deybi Flores.

FC Cincinnati also came under scrutiny for a violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy during their match against Charlotte FC on August 10. This marked the first violation of the season for the club, which resulted in an Official Warning being issued to both the team and head coach Pat Noonan. Multiple players, including defenders Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, midfielder Evander, and forward Gerardo Valenzuela, were fined for their roles in escalating the confrontation.

Additional fines were assessed against various players for separate infractions. The Colorado Rapids saw defender Jackson Travis fined for failing to leave the field in a timely manner, while LAFC forward Denis Bouanga faced penalties for kicking an object towards fans during a match against the Colorado Rapids, highlighting issues of player conduct and responsibility.

Several other notable incidents involved suspensions and fines for specific acts of violent conduct and rule violations. Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez was suspended for one match and fined for violent conduct in the 56th minute of his match against Columbus Crew, with the suspension set to take place on March 1 against D.C. United. Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suárez and teammate Lionel Messi were fined for violating the hands to the face/head/neck policy during their match on February 22 against New York City FC.

Lastly, Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller was fined for not leaving the field in a timely manner early in the match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec faced penalties for simulation and embellishment during his match against D.C. United.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee continues to monitor player behavior and reinforce the importance of adherence to league rules and conduct both on and off the field, ensuring a respect-driven sports environment.