MLS fines Messi for striking an opponent
MIAMI: Major League Soccer fined Inter Miami’s Argentine superstar Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount on Friday for slapping Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the neck in the clubs’ 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
Major League Soccer imposed a fine on Inter Miami's Argentine superstar Lionel Messi for striking Philadelphia's Quinn Sullivan during a 2-2 draw on Wednesday. The disciplinary committee cited Messi's violation of the league's policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent. Miami's Ian Fray also received an undisclosed fine for the same offense.
The altercation occurred late in stoppage time of a heated match. Messi confronted Sullivan in the center circle while the ball was in play elsewhere on the field. After a brief exchange, Messi made contact, prompting a physical exchange between the two players. Referee Filip Dujic, initially unaware of the incident as he faced another direction, intervened and separated the combatants.
However, he did not issue any cards to Messi or Sullivan. The incident extended to a brawl involving Cavan Sullivan, Quinn's younger brother and teammate, as well as Miami's Italian midfielder Yannick Bright, who were both sent off during stoppage time in Miami's penalty area.
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- MLS fines Messi for striking an opponent freemalaysiatoday.com
