Soccer: MLS suspends Felipe Martins for one game following his gesture on Wanyama

NEW YORK – MLS has imposed a one-game suspension and a fine on DC United midfielder Felipe Martins for a serious foul on Montreal Impact midfielder Victor Wanyama during a Tuesday’s game as part of the league’s relaunch tournament.

The incident happened during the 35th minute of the game when Felipe cramped Wanyama in the left thigh during a tackle attempt.

Instantly, Wanyama writhed in pain and lay on the ground for several minutes before he could get up. He was able to resume his place on the field.

On the streak, the on-field referee showed Felipe a yellow card as the gesture, in the eyes of many observers, deserved a red card, which would have left DC United with just ten players on the field.

In a statement, the league said the play was subject to review under Discipline Committee criterion number 3.

This clause, among other things, allows the Committee to act where the Professional Referees Organization recognizes an error by the referee on the field or on the part of the video review, and where the Committee is unanimous that the action deserves to the minus a one-match suspension for a clear and unequivocal red card.

MLS did not disclose the amount of the fine.

The Impact finally won the game 1-0 and qualified for the playoffs. He will face Orlando City SC on Saturday night.

The sequence made Jozy Altidore, the star player of Toronto FC, react.

“You always make these kinds of (gestures) and then try to apologize. You can do better. You can end a career with this kind of game. You keep doing it year after year. Stopped. Play hard but not this way. »

In his ninth season in the league, Felipe also played for the Impact, the New York Red Bulls and the Vancouver Whitecaps. He has 44 yellow cards and one red card since the start of his MLS career.