Major League Soccer just issued a statement clearing New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing after Toronto FC head coach John Herdman accused him of assaulting a player on March 16 at Yankee Stadium in The Bronx.
Herdman made the accusation that Cushing "punched" a 19-year-old Toronto player at halftime in the tunnel leading from the field at Yankee Stadium almost two months after the alleged assault, in a postgame press conference on May 11 after losing a testy match to NYCFC that ended in an on-field confrontation between the two teams.
Herdman was later suspended by MLS for his conduct following the May 12 game at BMO Field.
All in all, six suspensions were handed out because of that game — five to Toronto, and one to New York City. Toronto forward Federico Bernardeschi received a second yellow card and a sending-off in stoppage time, shortly before the members of both teams confronted each other on the field. Then Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson and forward Prince Owusu, and NYCFC defender Strahinja Tanasijević received red cards after the game ended. Upon later review by the MLS Disciplinary Committee, Toronto player Richie Laryea was suspended, and the suspensions to Owusu and Tanasijević were extended.
Today's statement from MLS follows a formal request made public by New York City on May 13 asking the league to investigate Herdman's allegation. Cushing categorically denied that he punched any Toronto FC player or staff member.
The full statement is below.
MLS STATEMENT FOLLOWING REVIEW OF ALTERCATION BETWEEN NEW YORK CITY FOOTBALL CLUB AND TORONTO FC
NEW YORK (June 6, 2024) On March 16, there was an altercation between players and staff members of New York City Football Club and Toronto FC that started on the field and continued into the stadium tunnels. During the next meeting of the two clubs on May 11, the teams engaged in an altercation that led to several player and coach suspensions.
The League conducted a review of both incidents and determined that players and staff from both teams involved in the altercation exhibited poor judgment and engaged in behavior contradictory to MLS values. While no additional suspensions or fines have been issued, head coaches and executives from both clubs were required to meet with MLS Commissioner Don Garber to discuss League expectations for behavior and conduct.
Hudson River Blue Staff
Hudson River Blue Staff
Hudson River Blue Staff
Hudson River Blue Staff
Andrew Leigh
