Major League Soccer (MLS) has fined Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw.
MLS’ Disciplinary Committee imposed the fine on Messi for violating the league’s policy prohibiting players from making contact with an opponent’s face, head or neck.
Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined an undisclosed amount for the same offence.
The incident occurred late in stoppage time during a heated encounter, with Messi approaching the centre circle to confront Sullivan while play continued elsewhere on the pitch.
Read Also: Lionel Messi fined by MLS for grabbing NYCFC coach’s neck
Following a brief exchange, Messi appeared to swipe at Sullivan on the back of the neck. The Philadelphia midfielder responded by confronting the Argentine in a tense face-to-face exchange before the players were separated.
Referee Filip Dujic, who had his back turned when the incident occurred, arrived shortly afterwards but did not issue either player a yellow or red card.
The match had already descended into a tense finale, with Dujic sending off Philadelphia’s Cavan Sullivan, Quinn’s younger brother and teammate, and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright following a stoppage-time confrontation inside Miami’s penalty area.
Despite the disciplinary action, Messi remains available for Inter Miami’s upcoming fixtures, with MLS opting for a financial penalty rather than a suspension.
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Read Full Article by Anthony Nlebem at businessday.ng
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