MLS Disciplinary Committee Suspends and Fines Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman

No candy coating just the straight press release from MLS:

NEW YORK (October 7, 2011) - The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee today announced an additional two-game suspension and $1,000 fine to Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman for his violent conduct in the 11^th minute of the game against the Chicago Fire on Sept. 28, 2011. Beckerman received a red card for head butting Chicago's Daniel Paladini.

The Disciplinary Committee determined that Beckerman's actions were completely outside the scope of the game and demonstrated utter disregard for the safety of his opponent.

The MLS Players Union appealed the Committee's decision on behalf of Beckerman. MLS Commissioner Don Garber heard the appeal Oct. 4 and yesterday he elected to uphold the Committee's decision.

Beckerman will be suspended for a total of three games and fined a total of $1,250, including automatic one-game suspension and $250 fine for receiving a red card. Beckerman will serve his suspension during the next three games for which he is eligible:

1) Saturday, October 1, 2011 versus LA Galaxy (already served)

2) Friday, October 14, 2011 versus Colorado Rapids

3) Saturday, October 22, 2011 versus Portland Timbers

Note: Per League policy, players cannot serve suspensions while on international duty, and therefore Real Salt Lake's game last night in Vancouver was not part of Beckerman's suspension.

Fines collected are donated to MLS W.O.R.K.S., Major League Soccer's community outreach initiative dedicated to addressing important social issues affecting young people and serves as a platform for both League and club philanthropic programs. MLS W.O.R.K.S. seeks to establish Major League Soccer as a leader for improving the lives of people through sport.

I do agree with this and it is just in line with what I expected from MLS. I do doubt that Toledo's performance will be reviewed with the same level of scrutiny.

OFF MY SOAPBOX