MLS Imposes Fines Following Brawl Between Inter Miami and Philadelphia Union
A tense matchup between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday escalated into a significant altercation, prompting Major League Soccer (MLS) to take disciplinary action. Lionel Messi, the Miami star, received a fine for putting his hands in the face or neck area of an opposing player. This was confirmed by the league on Friday, which stated that Messi’s teammate, Ian Fray, was penalized for the same infraction.
In a separate announcement, MLS revealed that Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who had been issued a red card following the chaotic scene in the dying moments of the match, had that card rescinded.
The incident that ignited the brawl involved Messi striking Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan on the back of the head, leading to a forehead-to-forehead confrontation. The pivotal moment occurred during the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time, which concluded in a 2-2 draw. Quinn Sullivan fell to the ground after a rough collision in the box, prompting Fray to reach for Quinn’s head. This reaction led to Quinn retaliating by flipping Fray to the ground.
Cavan Sullivan rushed in to protect his brother and soon found himself in a scuffle with Miami’s Yannick Bright, who allegedly made multiple strikes to Cavan’s face as Cavan held onto Bright’s jersey.
Quinn and Cavan Sullivan are brothers, with both having risen through the ranks of the Philadelphia Union academy before joining the professional team. Cavan, notably, made headlines by signing a four-year contract with the Union at the age of just 14.
Touching an opponent’s head or neck is strictly prohibited in soccer and is typically met with severe penalties, irrespective of the player’s intent.
Following the rescinded red card, Cavan Sullivan’s one-game suspension has been lifted, allowing him to play as Philadelphia faces Austin on Saturday. In contrast, Bright’s suspension remains in place, sidelining him for Miami’s upcoming match against Toronto.
After a routine game between Inter Miami and the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday turned into an all-out brawl, MLS is handing down more punishment — and easing others.
Miami star Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount after getting his hands in the face or neck area of an opposing player, the league announced Friday. Messi’s teammate, Ian Fray, has been penalized for the same action.
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MLS also announced that Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who had received a red card after the climactic fight in the final minutes of the game, has had the card rescinded.
During the heated match, Messi struck Philadelphia’s Quinn Sullivan in the back of the head, sparking a confrontation in which the two went forehead-to-forehead.
The bulk of the action, however, came in the 12th minute of second-half stoppage time, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Quinn Sullivan went down after a chippy collision in the box; Fray then seemed to grab at Quinn’s head as he stepped over him, leading Sullivan to flip Fray to the ground.
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Cavan quickly ran in to defend Quinn and ended up skirmishing with Miami’s Yannick Bright, who seemingly struck him in the face more than once, with Cavan gripping the front of Bright’s jersey.
Quinn Sullivan, 22, and Cavan Sullivan, 16 are brothers; both grew up in the Philadelphia Union academy system before signing with the senior team. Cavan made history after signing a four-year deal with Philadelphia when he was just 14.
Touching the head or neck of an opposing player is a big no-no in soccer and is usually punished harshly regardless of intention.
Cavan Sullivan’s rescinded red card means his one-game suspension has also been taken back, and he will be available as Philadelphia takes on Austin on Saturday.
Bright’s suspension or red card, however, has not been lifted. He will miss Miami’s game against Toronto on Saturday.
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