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Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke has been officially issued a $25,000 fine and a three-game suspension, according to a league-issued press release.
The release clarifies that the first game of Petke’s suspension was served during the match against FC Dallas, with two following on Aug. 3 as the club hosts New York City FC, and Aug. 10 as the club travels to Sporting Kansas City.
Petke will be required to attend “anger management, sensitivity, and diversity training,” according to the release.
From the league release, MLS Commissioner Don Garber:
“There is absolutely no place for this type of behavior in our society, and Major League Soccer does not tolerate the repugnant language used by Mr. Petke,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “All MLS players, staff and fans must know that these comments are unacceptable, and I am extremely disappointed that a leader of one of our clubs used such insensitive language. We are committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect at all times.”
A club-issued release included the following statement, though it was not attributed to an individual:
“We hold everyone in our organization - particularly the leadership - to the highest standards and expect them to treat everyone with dignity and respect. We have the utmost respect for the referees, PRO and Major League Soccer and will be working with the League to ensure that everyone in our organization treats all referees, players, coaches and fans with the dignity, respect, civility and professionalism that is consistent with our values. Although we appreciate Coach Petke’s passion and drive to win, it should never come at the expense of those values. We support and agree with the League’s decision on this matter. Real Salt Lake will additionally be suspending Coach Petke from all club activity for two weeks, without pay. In addition, he will be required to attend anger management courses to help remedy what has been a recurring issue and he will be required to issue written apologies to both the League and the individual referees. As a Club we apologize to our fans for this incident and going forward will continue to demand that all staff adhere to the highest personal standards, without excuse.”