News Summary
The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee has announced several fines and warnings following Matchday 28 actions, targeting players and teams for conduct violations. Key incidents include fines for players who did not leave the field promptly and various players involved in mass confrontations, with multiple teams facing penalties. The MLS emphasizes maintaining sportsmanship on the field as they continue to enforce disciplinary policies.
Philadelphia, PA – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee announced a series of fines and warnings following the events of Matchday 28 in the 2025 season. Multiple players and teams were penalized for violating various conduct policies, including failing to leave the field in a timely manner and inciting confrontations during matches.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna and Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Édier Ocampo were both fined for failing to promptly exit the field during their respective matches. Luna’s fine stems from an incident in the 85th minute against the New York Red Bulls on August 10, while Ocampo’s infraction occurred in the 27th minute of the match against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9.
St. Louis CITY SC forward Sang Bin Jeong received a fine for making an inappropriate gesture in the 66th minute of the game against Nashville SC on August 9. The league is taking measures to maintain sportsmanship and decorum on the field.
In a significant ruling, both the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC were found in violation of the MLS’s Mass Confrontation Policy during their match on August 9. This incident occurred in the 77th minute, with the Union violating this policy for the second time this season, while it was the first violation for Toronto FC. As a result, the Philadelphia Union and head coach Bradley Carnell were fined. Meanwhile, Toronto FC and head coach Robin Fraser received official warnings.
In addition to team penalties, specific players from both clubs were also fined for their roles in inciting or escalating the mass confrontation. From the Philadelphia Union, goalkeeper Andre Blake, midfielder Quinn Sullivan, and forward Mikael Uhre received fines, while Toronto FC players defender Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores were also penalized.
FC Cincinnati was penalized for violating the Mass Confrontation Policy during their match against Charlotte FC on August 10, marking the club’s first violation this season. Both the team and head coach Pat Noonan received official warnings. Multiple players from Cincinnati were fined for their involvement in the confrontation, including defenders Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, and DeAndre Yedlin, as well as midfielder Evander and forward Gerardo Valenzuela.
Several other players across various MLS teams also faced disciplinary actions. Colorado Rapids defender Jackson Travis was fined for failing to leave the field in a timely manner during the sixth minute of the match against LAFC on July 9. LAFC forward Denis Bouanga was fined for violating league policies by kicking an object towards fans during the same match.
In early season incidents, Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez received a one-match suspension along with a fine for violent conduct during a match against Columbus Crew on February 22. He will serve his suspension on March 1 against D.C. United. Additionally, Inter Miami CF forwards Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi faced fines for violating the league’s rules regarding hands to the face/head/neck during halftime and after the match against New York City FC on February 22.
Further fines were issued to Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller and LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec for separate infractions concerning timely exits and simulation/embellishment respectively. Miller was fined for not leaving the field promptly during the 11th minute of a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, while Pec violated the league’s policies in a match against D.C. United.
The MLS strives to uphold its disciplinary policies to ensure fair play and sportsmanship among its teams and players. As the season progresses, the league will continue to monitor conduct on the field actively.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MLS Soccer: Diego Luna Fined
- Google Search: MLSSoccer disciplinary committee
- MLS Soccer: Denis Bouanga Fined
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- Front Row Soccer: Brian Gutiérrez Suspension
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Disciplinary Action
- MLS Soccer: Gabriel Pec Fined
- Google News: MLS disciplinary committee latest
- Hudson River Blue: Messi Controversy
- Google Scholar: MLS player conduct
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
