USSF PRESS RELEASE:
U.S. OPEN CUP ADJUDICATION AND DISCIPLINE PANEL AND MLS REVIEWING INCIDENTS FROM SEATTLE-PORTLAND OPEN CUP MATCH
CHICAGO (June 19, 2015) – The U.S. Open Cup Adjudication and Discipline Panel will hold a hearing next week to review the incidents from the Open Cup match between Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers FC on June 16 in Seattle.
The hearing is required after the Open Cup Commissioner, under the rules of the 2015 U.S. Open Cup Handbook, determined that the multiple red cards and subsequent actions by Seattle Sounders forward Clint Dempsey warrant review by the Panel for possible further sanctions, which can include additional suspension from Open Cup matches and/or fines.
At this point, the Panel has gathered evidence, including the report of the referee and the Match Commissioner, video of the incident, as is currently conducting interviews with the relevant parties. Any decision made by the Panel on further sanctioning will pertain only to future Open Cup tournament competition.
In addition, per the U.S. Soccer Policy Manual, any incident of alleged Referee Assault or Abuse by a professional player during a Professional League Member activity is governed by the Professional Leagues Policy Against Referee Assault as outlined in Policy 202(1)(H)-2.
In this instance, MLS has jurisdiction and is reviewing the incident as required by U.S. Soccer policy.
Under the policy, should the League suspend the player from competition with his club, the player would not be eligible to compete in any soccer competition while serving that suspension.
Related:
MLS ban Dempsey for three games
Hanauer: We will collect information on fan misconduct
Hinton Unleashed on US Open Cup fracas: ‘You can’t mess with referees’
Match Report: Dempsey tears referee a new one but Timbers advance in USOC
Analysis: Injuries not referee cost Sounders cup tie
