MLS disciplinary round-up: Christian Fuchs suspension extended, Cucho fined
By Chris Smith
The Major League Soccer disciplinary committee has announced its latest round of decisions ahead of Week 32 of the 2022 season.
Multiple fines and a suspension have been handed out:
1. Christian Fuchs suspension extended
Christian Fuchs was given a red card for elbowing Tayvon Gray in the 52nd minute of Charlotte FC's 1-0 win over NYCFC at the weekend.
However, upon review, the MLS disciplinary committee has deemed that the incident of violent conduct was severe enough to hand out an extra one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine.
The veteran defender will now miss key matches against the Chicago Fire and Philadelphia Union as CLTFC battle to make the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Yael Averbuch West hosted none other than Christian Fuchs for the latest episode of Football Americana. The Charlotte FC captain provided insight into the creation of Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team, and bringing European culture into the American side.
2. Charlotte FC & NYCFC fined
Despite the low scoreline, this was quite a heated match and Fuchs' incident wasn't the only flashpoint.
Deep into second-half stoppage time, Charlotte forward Mcinze Gaines tripped Maxi Moralez, perhaps more in an attempt to slow NYCFC down rather than win the ball.
NYCFC center-back Alexander Callens didn't react well to the foul and pushed Gaines, which prompted players from both sides to sprint onto the scene and get involved in some pushing and shoving.
No fewer than four yellow cards were handed out, while MLS has fined both clubs and NYCFC interim head coach Nick Cushing for violating the mass confrontation policy.
3. Cucho Hernandez fined
A coming together during CF Montreal's 2-2 draw with the Columbus Crew saw Cucho Hernandez violate the league's policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent.
Hernandez wasn't punished at the time but has been handed an undisclosed fine.
4. Romell Quioto fined
Romell Quioto was the Montreal player involved in that incident and, despite Hernandez being punished, the Honduran has also been given a fine for simulation/embellishment after hitting the ground in truly dramatic fashion.
5. Ryan Hollingshead fined
LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead had to make a desperate challenge in the ninth minute against FC Dallas as one long pass beat the defense and found Paul Arriola.
Hollingshead appeared to catch Arriola before getting some of the ball and though he was initially given a yellow card, his punishment was upgraded to red following a VAR review.
Clearly, Hollingshead disagreed with the verdict and stuck around for some time to plead his case. The 31-year-old has been found guilty of failure to leave the field in a timely manner, resulting in a fine.
Watch the story of Charlotte FC's journey to MLS in 90min's The Making of Charlotte FC, presented by DoorDash, on 90min channels now. Subscribe to our new US YouTube channel.