This story was originally published on May 14; it has been updated to reflect additional action by MLS on June 6.
An on-field altercation between Toronto FC and NYCFC after a match on May 11 resulted in recommended suspensions for many involved, including Toronto FC head coach John Herdman.
The following suspensions were communicated to both clubs:
- 3 games for Richie Laryea (TFC)
- 2 games for Prince Owusu (TFC)
- 2 games for Strahinja Tanasijević (NYC)
- 1 game for Sean Johnson (TFC)
- 1 game for John Herdman (TFC)
The altercation in question occurred after the final whistle of NYCFC’s 3-2 win over Toronto FC and featured multiple clashes between members of both teams, including some coaches.
There was also an altercation between the two clubs on March 16 that started on the field and continued into the stadium tunnels. MLS reviewed both incidents and “determined that players and staff from both teams involved in the altercation exhibited poor judgment and engaged in behavior contradictory to MLS values,” according to a statement from the league. Instead of issuing additional suspensions or fines, the league required head coaches and executives from both clubs to meet with MLS Commissioner Don Garber to “discuss league expectations for behavior and conduct.”
Altercation after the final whistle between Toronto FC and NYCFC.
Sean Johnson and Strahinja Tanasijević in the middle of it. pic.twitter.com/qsIRc9Oqhb
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May 12, 2024
The original suspensions went into effect Wednesday, May 15, after the official issuance of discipline. Both teams had games on Wednesday evening; TFC traveled to face Nashville and NYCFC hit the road against the Philadelphia Union.
The disciplinary process and suspensions are separate from the other issue to emerge from the aftermath of that game: Herdman’s claim that NYCFC head coach Nick Cushing punched a TFC player at halftime of their previous matchup in March (an accusation Cushing categorically denies). The player he is alleged to have hit is Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, The Athletic confirmed on Monday.
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Herdman stuck by his players during his press conference the following Monday in regards to the allegation, reiterating his support and belief.
Video footage of the tunnel was sent to MLS in March, both clubs said, but Toronto says the cameras didn’t cover where the alleged incident took place.
(Photo: Mert Alper Dervis/Getty Images)