Luciano Acosta awarded 2 match suspension after incident with referee

FC Cincinnati player Luciano Acosta has been issued a two-match suspension and fine for an undisclosed amount by the MLS Disciplinary Committee after “exhibiting aggressive behavior toward and making unwanted physical contact with a match official.”

The incident occurred in the 90th minute of FC Cincinnati’s match against the New York Red Bulls on July 9. He received an initial red card by the match official at that moment, before the league committee handed the player new consequences. 

According to the league, the play was reviewed under Disciplinary Committee Parameter 2.

“The Disciplinary Committee may review the play for further disciplinary action, over and above the mandatory suspension and fine. Under Parameter 2, supplemental discipline (suspension and/or fine) will be administered if the Disciplinary Committee believes the offense is egregious in nature, and/or it must act to protect player safety, and/or it must protect the integrity of the game, and/or the player is guilty of repeat behavior.

“Additionally, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has found Acosta guilty of failure to leave the field in a timely and orderly manner in the 90th minute of Cincinnati’s match against the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, July 9.”

FC Cincinnati attempted to appeal the decision, but was not successful. 

The player will now serve the two-game suspension during Cincinnati’s matches on July 17 against the Columbus Crew and July 23 against Nashville SC. 

The news comes as a huge blow for the team, as Lucho Acosta stands as a key figure in the attack. He’s managed six goals and 10 assists so far this season, positioning the team in sixth place on the Eastern Conference table.