Football
ESPN staff 6y

Sacha Kljestan gets extra game ban for Toronto tunnel clash

Sacha Kljestan will be suspended for a second game to open the 2018 MLS season after a further review of the playoff tunnel clash with Toronto FC last month.

Kljestan was already set to serve a one-game ban but the league added another and an increased fine for an "interaction with stadium security personnel," it was announced on Friday.

Jozy Altidore, who already served a one-game suspension for his part in the incident, was also handed an additional undisclosed fine for simulation after the slight push from Kljestan that initially set off tempers in the second leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal on Nov. 5.

After clashing on the field, the teams met again in the tunnel at halftime and both Kljestan and Altidore received red cards, triggering automatic one-game bans.

Toronto FC went on to win its first MLS Cup title after Altidore served his suspension in the first leg of the Eastern Conference final against Columbus.

Both clubs as well as Red Bulls coach Jesse Marsch were also fined undisclosed amounts on Friday.

Where Kljestan serves his suspension could yet change, with Metro reporting that both Los Angeles FC and Minnesota United are interested in acquiring the United States midfielder ahead of next season.

In other discipline handed out by the MLS disciplinary committe on Friday, Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio was fined for diving in the conference final against Columbus.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Tomas Martinez was fined for putting his hand on an opponent's head in the Western Conference final against Seattle, whlie forward Erick "Cubo" Torres was also fined for embellishment in the conference semifinal against Portland.

^ Back to Top ^