MLS fines Phil Neville over violation of public criticism policy

Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville has been fined by Major League Soccer over his comments toward the league's officiating after an Oct. 9 loss to the New York Red Bulls.

MLS did not disclose the amount of the fine, but revealed his comments were in violation of the league's public criticism policy.

During the press conference after the match, Neville said the officials played a role in the team's losing streak and asked for a 'massive investigation' into how his side is treated.

"I don't want to sound like a broken record but something is fundamentally wrong with the way referees treat Inter Miami," he said.

"There has to be a massive investigation into the decisions given against Inter Miami. We want this to be the best league in the world, but we've got decisions like that. We've had our integrity questioned this year," Neville added. 

"We got stones thrown at us and had to take a lot of absolute s--- from a lot of people and had to accept it. I can't accept this, I've got to defend my club against something unjust and wrong. I feel we're being cheated."

The defeat against the Red Bulls left Miami standing in 11th place of the Eastern Conference table, eight points behind the final playoff spot. 

This wouldn't be the first time Inter Miami is fined by the league. Earlier this season, MLS handed a $2m fine, the largest in league history, over violations of the league's salary budget and roster regulations.