Major League Soccer is investigating the Pro Soccer Referees Association's allegation that a player gained unauthorized entry into the officials’ locker room following FC Cincinnati’s match at New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
Sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to Queen City Press that the player in question is FC Cincinnati center back Matt Miazga, as first reported by Philadelphia Inquirer soccer reporter Jonathan Tannenwald.
PSRA claimed the player had to be forcibly removed; however, one source confirmed the Cincinnati Enquirer report indicating that is not accurate. The source clarified that a member of FC Cincinnati's communications staff stepped in and basically moved Miazga out of the area, and stadium security was not involved.
“After the Nov. 4th NYRB/FC Cincinnati match, a player gained unauthorized entry into the Officials’ locker room & was forcibly removed by stadium security while acting in an aggressive & hostile manner,” PRSO Officials posted on social media. “No one's safety should ever be at risk & we expect MLS to act accordingly. This is an unacceptable and, as we recall, unprecedented violation of league policy and sporting integrity. We have urged MLS to take appropriate disciplinary action against the player and to remind all league participants that violations like this will not be tolerated.”
A spokesperson for FC Cincinnati said the club had no comment, but MLS is investigating the matter.
“Major League Soccer is aware of the report of a player gaining unauthorized access into the officials’ locker room following the New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati match at Red Bull Arena on November 4, 2023,” MLS said in an emailed statement provided to Queen City Press. “The safety of PRO officials must never be compromised and an investigation into this matter is being conducted.”
Miazga was clearly upset with officiating Saturday when he received a yellow card in the eighth minute of stoppage time at the end of regulation arguing against a disallowed goal.
Luciano Acosta had seemingly scored on a corner kick that might have been helped in by Sergio Santos, but it ended up being called back for a foul. The official had pointed to the center circle initially awarding the goal but PRO said in a statement after the game a VAR check confirmed a foul.
Miazga then received a second yellow card, which was his third in two playoff games, in the penalty shootout after he made his kick and started blowing kisses and making a heart symbol with his hands at the New York Red Bulls supporters’ section behind the goal. Official Victor Rivas carded him for excessive celebration.
The third yellow card means Miazga is ineligible for the conference semifinals per card accumulation rules for the postseason. Cards reset after the conference semifinals.
“Matt knows better,” FCC coach Pat Noonan said after the game of the yellow cards. “We shouldn't be missing him for the next round, as simple as that.”
Teams can appeal a second yellow card that leads to a suspension, but it's unclear what the next steps are for FC Cincinnati.
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