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This comes to us courtesy of a Chicago MLSR reader who claims "inside knowledge" of the Blanco determination at the US Soccer Federation.
"Hi, I wish to be anonymous but I can tell you I have a connection inside the USSF and that is where my info comes from. After reviewing video supplied to them by MLS and D.C. United, the Federation is going to suspend Blanco for five US Open Cup matches and fine him $5000. Additionally MLS has been afforded the opportunity to take action as well and will suspend Blanco for 2 MLS matches as his violent conduct put the league in an unfavorable light and brought disrepute upon the Chicago Fire. Additionally since his behavior was directed towards other MLS players, and club staff the league feels a two game suspension is appropriate here. So in summation, Blanco has been banned for 5 USOC games, 2 MLS games and fined five thousand dollars."
What do you think? Assuming this is the real decision, is it fair?
EDIT: The following press release has been issued with Blanco apologizing:
Bridgeview, Ill. (July 14, 2008) – The following is a statement from the Chicago Fire’s Cuauhtémoc Blanco regarding the Chicago-D.C. United game on July 8.
“I sincerely regret my inappropriate actions during the game against D.C. United on Tuesday. I disappointed my Fire teammates and coaches, D.C. United players and staff, Major League Soccer, the U.S. Soccer Federation, and all our fans. I am truly sorry.”
Stranger is that Soccerlens poses the question of whether we have all over reacted.
16 comments:
Biggest delayed suspension i've ever seen... why was he allowed to play vs. TFC on Sat???? makes no sense to punish the dog 2 weeks after he's pissed on the carpet!
MLS is really a hack league (with regards to refing & discipline). I don't want to admit it, but its too obvious not to....
if mls was going to suspend him, why did they let him play on saturday? you people are chumps
If legit, he deffinetly deserves to be suspended multiple games, if this true im glad MLS isnt sweeping this under the bed.
The delay may have been caused by the MLS awaiting USSF's decision. not that I totally believe that this suspension is going to happen, but it's possible they were awaiting USSF's ruling.
no legs to this rumor
I applaud the USSF and MLS for this decision. This is the most credible thing they have done in a long time regarding player misconduct.
The apology was written by a team/league lawyer. No sincerity. It won't the last time Blanco does something like that.
MLS can't/won't do sh*t.
If the USSF wants to ban him from USOC play, fair play. Anything outside of that won't fly.
Luis Hernandez got banned for five USOC matches in 2000. I don't think these sorts of incidents are subject to inflation.
why should he be out MLS Games?? It was in a USSF game! Let them do the fining/banning, etc... I don't believe much about this one.
MLS makes up the rules as it goes along... blanco el loco
This is ridiculous. The Open Cup suspension was certainly warranted, but not the MLS suspension.
MLS are hypocrites. I'm sure when they'd say two MLS games, they mean two MLS games FOR THE FIRE. If they can milk a couple more dollars out of Blanco's star power by having him play at the All-Star game (which would be game #2 of the MLS suspension), I'm sure they'd have no problem bending the rules.
I think this is BS!!! 5 games in USOC and 2 mls regular season games? that does not make sense!!! how does one tournament ban carry over to the league games? MLS better get it right, if not things are going to get ugly. How does Blanco get punished for being competitive and trying to win? he went for the ball and the DC player didnt want to leave it on the ground so he got hit. just move back, leave the ball if you dont want to get HIT!!! if you were to watch FUTBOL in any other country youd see far worst things and they dont get punished. I've seen moreno do the same thing and no punishment. Hmmm. makes you wonder why this league is nowhere near among the elite or close to it doesnt it. the front office of MLS and USSF need to do a better job of solving this issue. The way the league works is crap, playing favorites is never going to put MLS among the elite. MLS has to rethink this if they dont want attendence to drop. because the reason some stadiums get filled is because they go to see the Blanco, whether people like to admit it or not.
"if you were to watch FUTBOL in any other country youd see far worst things and they dont get punished."
As a native Italian I can tell you that if a player:
Tries to poke a player's eyes out.
Punches another pleyer in the stomach
Headbutts staff or officials.
They would receive a far higher fine and just as lengthy a suspension.
In fact I do not know many leagues in the world where those actions would not be punishd.
I do know quite a few where the crowd would have taken matters into their own hands and rioted at such though.
If this happened in say, Argentina, Blanco would be lucky to get out alive.
The MLS CBA has such provisions in it for off the field and out of league play that a player can be punished for. Basically any thing you do that could hurt they image of your team, thus the image of the league is punishable. This is pretty much a standard in all american sports and I think it goes for most international sports as well.
more lies lies lies
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