What We're Reading
MLS rules on Rafa Marquez's Salinas attack
- MLSSoccer.com, Thursday, April 19, 2012 3:40 PM
New York Red Bull Rafa Marquez has been handed a three-game suspension by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for his mugging of San Jose's Shea Salinas, who suffered a
broken collarbone in the incident ignored by game officials.
The Disciplinary Committee ruled that "Marquez tackled, fell on and kicked his opponent" and his "actions were viewed as violent
conduct that demonstrated blatant disregard for the safety of his opponent."
In another ruling, San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Marvin Chavez was suspended for one game for
a "reckless challenge" on left back Roy Miller "that endangered the safety of his opponent." Chavez received a yellow card at the time of the infraction.
I don't really see how this merits a suspension. This happens inside every penalty box on just about every corner. By the rules of the game, its a blatant foul and an immediate penalty kick, but I haven't seen a referee call it in years. I don't think Marquez had any intent to injure Salinas - I think he fell on Salinas because he knew it would make it harder for the referee to process what had just happened. I'd rather see MLS release a statement saying they have instructed referees, after the Marquez-Salinas incident, to call that a foul uniformly. What is going to prevent more injuries like this - enforcing the rule or suspending Marquez three games?