New York City, August 13, 2025
News Summary
The MLS Disciplinary Committee has released its findings and penalties following Matchday 28 of the season. Players and teams received fines for various infractions, particularly breaches of the Mass Confrontation Policy. Notable fines were imposed on Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna and Vancouver Whitecaps defender Édier Ocampo for not exiting the field promptly. Additionally, several teams were warned and fined due to multiple violations aimed at maintaining the integrity of the game and encouraging sportsmanship.
New York City – The Major League Soccer (MLS) Disciplinary Committee has released its findings and punishments following events that transpired during Matchday 28 of the 2025 season. Several players and teams faced fines and warnings for various infractions, particularly violations of the Mass Confrontation Policy and other behavioral misconduct.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna received a fine for not leaving the field in a timely manner during the 85th minute of the match against the New York Red Bulls on August 10. Similarly, Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Édier Ocampo was fined for his failure to exit the field promptly in the 27th minute of their game against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9.
St. Louis CITY SC’s Sang Bin Jeong was fined for an inappropriate gesture made during the 66th minute of the match against Nashville SC, also on August 9. In a related incident, both the Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC were found to be in violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy in the 77th minute of their match on the same day. This marks the second violation for the Philadelphia Union this season, while it is the first for Toronto FC.
As a result of their breach, the Philadelphia Union and their head coach, Bradley Carnell, were fined, while Toronto FC, under head coach Robin Fraser, received Official Warnings. Players from both teams also faced fines, with Philadelphia Union players Andre Blake, Quinn Sullivan, and Mikael Uhre penalized for inciting or escalating the mass confrontation. From Toronto FC, defenders Richie Laryea and midfielder Deybi Flores were also fined for similar infractions.
On a different note, FC Cincinnati was found in violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy during the 70th minute of their match against Charlotte FC on August 10. This is the first time this season Cincinnati has violated the policy, leading to Official Warnings for both the club and head coach Pat Noonan. Additionally, several FC Cincinnati players were fined for inciting the incident, including defenders Miles Robinson, Matt Miazga, Lukas Engel, DeAndre Yedlin, midfielder Evander, and forward Gerardo Valenzuela.
Other fines included Colorado Rapids defender Jackson Travis for a late exit during the sixth minute of their match against LAFC on July 9, and LAFC forward Denis Bouanga for kicking an object towards fans during the same match. Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez received a one-match suspension and a fine for violent conduct in the 56th minute of a match against Columbus Crew on February 22, which he will serve on March 1 against D.C. United.
Inter Miami CF saw two of its forwards, Luis Suárez and Lionel Messi, each fined for violating the league’s hands to the face/head/neck policy during halftime and after the match against NYCFC, respectively. Additionally, Portland Timbers defender Kamal Miller and LA Galaxy forward Gabriel Pec were fined for not leaving the field in a timely manner and for simulation/embellishment, respectively.
As the 2025 MLS season progresses, the Disciplinary Committee’s measures aim to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure a respectful competitive environment for players, coaches, and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the fines and warnings issued by MLS?
Fines and warnings were issued following multiple violations of the Mass Confrontation Policy and other behavioral issues observed during matches in Matchday 28 of the 2025 MLS season.
What is the Mass Confrontation Policy?
The Mass Confrontation Policy is designed to prevent violent confrontations between players and ensure sportsmanship on the field. Teams and players found in violation may face fines or warnings.
Which teams and players were fined or warned this week?
Teams fined include Real Salt Lake, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, St. Louis CITY SC, Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, LA Galaxy, Chicago Fire FC, and Inter Miami CF. Players penalized encompass Diego Luna, Édier Ocampo, Sang Bin Jeong, Andre Blake, and several others for various infractions.
Key Features of the Disciplinary Actions
| Team/Player | Infraction | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Real Salt Lake – Diego Luna | Timely exit from the field | Fine |
| Vancouver Whitecaps – Édier Ocampo | Timely exit from the field | Fine |
| St. Louis CITY SC – Sang Bin Jeong | Inappropriate gesture | Fine |
| Philadelphia Union | Mass Confrontation Policy violation | Fine and warning for coach |
| Toronto FC | Mass Confrontation Policy violation | Warning for coach |
| FC Cincinnati | Mass Confrontation Policy violation | Warning for coach |
| Chicago Fire FC – Brian Gutiérrez | Violent conduct | One-match suspension and fine |
| Inter Miami CF – Luis Suárez | Hands to the face policy | Fine |
| Inter Miami CF – Lionel Messi | Hands to the face policy | Fine |
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
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