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News, Blog and GuidesThe MLS Defender of the Year received a bizarre second yellow in the previous round and allegedly had to be removed from the referee’s locker room post-match.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Nov 25th, 2023 23:14 EST
FC Cincinnati are the favourites in their MLS Cup Playoff semi-final, but they will be without Matt Miazga for the visit of Philadelphia Union.
Miazga has been a key part of the Supporters’ Shield winners’ success this season and was recently named MLS Defender of the Year. But despite his impressive form the 28-year-old was sent off in bizarre circumstances during the Round One game against New York Red Bulls.
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Matt Miazga was booked twice by referee Rubiel Vazquez in Round One.Katie StratmanUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
He picked up a booking during the regulation 90 minutes, before receiving a second in the penalty shoot-out for goading the RBNY supporters. Players cannot be sent off for a second yellow card in a penalty shoot-out, but the second booking was his third of the playoffs. This ensured that he picked up a one-game suspension.
However he is still the subject of an MLS investigation into his post-game conduct, leaving open the possibility that his suspension could be extended further.
Summary: FC Cincinnati vs Philadelphia Union
When will Matt Miazga be back for Cincinnati?
Miazga earnt a suspension for his penalty shout-out exploits, but he could have received additional punishment. After the game the Professional Soccer Referees Association released a statement claiming that a player had been “forcibly removed” by security after gaining access to the officials’ locker room.
The Philadelphia Enquirer revealed that Miazga was the player in question, but later reports suggested that the extent of the breach had been exaggerated. Stadium security are not thought to have been involved.
An anchor in the back for the Supporters' Shield winners. ⚓️Your 2023 MLS Defender of the Year: Matt Miazga. pic.twitter.com/UMUzgaRLI7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 13, 2023
