|
|
 |
 |   |
EVENTS Fantasy Central Inside Game Video Plus Statitudes Your Turn Message Boards Email Newsletters Golf Guide Cities 
CNNSI.com GROUP
COMMERCE
|  |
MLS fines, suspends Burn's Kubik NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Dallas Burn defender Lubos Kubik on Tuesday became the first MLS player to receive a three-game suspension for threatening a referee. Kubik's suspension and $5,000 fine were a result of his actions on Saturday, when he stormed onto the field and physically confronted referee Richard Heron in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Chicago Fire. Kubik was warming up behind the goal when Heron awarded a penalty kick to the fire. Kubik stormed onto the field, pulled the whistle from Heron's mouth and tossed it away. He received a red card and was ejected. Several other Burn players approached Heron and spent several minutes complaining about the call. After tossing the whistle, Kubik left the field while directing disparaging remarks toward the referee. "Lubos Kubik has been a great ambassador for the sport of soccer in the United States since 1998 and his actions this past weekend were out of character," MLS commissioner Don Garber said. "Nevertheless, those actions were unacceptable and unbecoming of a professional athlete. "It is imperative that MLS players provide a good example with regard to respect for game officials. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for Lubos Kubik to participate in the MLS All-Star Game in San Jose this weekend." Kubik will sit out games on August 4 at New England, August 11 against the MetroStars and August 15 at Columbus. He also will not be allowed to participate in Sunday's MLS All-Star Game at San Jose, California. A native of the Czech Republic, Kubik is the first player to be found in violation of a rule instituted before the season by the U.S. Soccer Federation that calls for a minimum three-game suspension for anyone who verbally or physically threathens an official. In addition, Burn players Eric Dade, Chad Deering, Ariel Graziani, Jason Kreis, Jorge Rodriguez and Oscar Pareja were assessed penalty points for their involvement in the incident. Pareja was fined $500 for passing the 21-point mark for automatic suspension and also will miss the August 4 match.
|
