Additional punished for Red Bulls´ Marquez

New York Red Bulls defender Rafael Marquez has been handed an additional two-match suspension following his sending off against LA Galaxy.

Mexico international Rafael Marquez was a shown a straight red card for his part in an on-field fracas.

The incident took place immediately after Galaxy’s 1-0 victory in the first leg of the MLS Western Conference semi-final at Red Bull Arena on Sunday.

The two-match ban is in addition to an automatic one-match suspension, and means Marquez will play no part in the remainder of the post-season regardless of how far New York advance.

If the Red Bulls are eliminated in Thursday’s second leg, the remaining two-match suspension will be served at the start of next season.

The head of the MLS disciplinary committee Nelson Rodriguez said: “After thorough examination of the incident that followed the Oct. 30 game between the New York Red Bulls and the LA Galaxy, the Disciplinary Committee strongly believed Rafa Marquez must be punished above the red card he was issued for throwing the ball after the final whistle because of the following actions: attempting to head butt Adam Cristman, attempting to punch Adam Cristman; striking Cristman, and simulating that he had been struck in the face.”

Marquez received an automatic US$250 fine for the sending off, which was increased to US$2000.

The MLS Players Union had an appeal against the suspension rejected by MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Undisclosed fines were also imposed on Cristman and Red Bulls midfielder Teemu Tainio.

Galaxy midfielder Juninho was also sent off, but did not receive additional punishment.