New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Major League Soccer's Disciplinary Committee handed out three punishments on Friday, including a two-match suspension for Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey.
Dempsey received a two-game ban and an undisclosed fine for an off-the-ball incident during last weekend's 2-1 loss to Toronto FC. Dempsey appeared to intentionally strike TFC defender Mark Bloom in the midsection in the 40th minute of the match, and although Dempsey later argued he was slapping Bloom's hand away during the altercation, the committee ruled Dempsey used violent conduct during the incident.
Dempsey will miss the Sounders' road matchup against the Montreal Impact on Saturday as well as a home matchup against the Columbus Crew on March 29 before he's eligible to return on the road against the Portland Timbers on April 5.
Chicago Fire defender Lovel Palmer also found himself on the end of a two-game suspension and an undisclosed fine for striking Portland Timbers forward Maximiliano Urruti in the 42nd minute of the teams' 1-1 draw last weekend in Portland. Palmer will miss the team's home opener against New York this weekend and will not be allowed to return until a matchup on April 5 against Philadelphia.
Finally, the committee also suspended New York Red Bulls defender Armando one game and fined him an undisclosed amount for a serious foul play against Colorado Rapids forward Deshorn Brown in the 29th minute of their 1-1 draw last weekend. Armando kicked Brown in the midsection while clearing a header near midfield. Armando will miss the team's matchup in Chicago this weekend.
[SportsNetwork.com]
