NEW YORK (December 22, 2017) – Major League Soccer today announced that, following a thorough internal investigation of the halftime incident between Toronto FC and the New York Red Bulls during the second leg of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs’ Conference Semifinals, Red Bulls midfielder Sacha Kljestan has been issued an additional game suspension and an increased undisclosed fine.
The incident initially resulted in red cards being issued to Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore and to Kljestan for violent conduct. In addition, Toronto FC, the New York Red Bulls, and Red Bulls Head Coach Jesse Marsch have been issued undisclosed fines for their respective roles in the incident.
On November 16, MLS announced that the Independent Panel, consisting of one representative from the United States Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association, and one representative from the Professional Referee Organization, had denied appeals made by each club on behalf of their respective players.
Altidore served his one-game suspension in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs’ Conference Championships Leg 1 on November 21. Kljestan, as a result of an interaction with stadium security personnel, has been issued an additional game suspension and an increased undisclosed fine. Kljestan will serve his two-game suspension during his first two matches of the 2018 MLS regular season.
