Inter Miami's Messi Fined for Unprofessional Conduct
The incident has sparked a conversation about player conduct and the importance of respecting opponents and staff during matches. The MLS' swift action in fining Messi and Suarez demonstrates the league's commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all players and staff.
Lionel Messi, the captain of Inter Miami, has been fined by the Major League Soccer (MLS) for violating the league's policy on physical contact with opponents, specifically for grabbing the neck of an opposing coach during a match against New York City FC on February 22.
The incident occurred at the end of a 2-2 draw, and was caught on video, showing Messi approaching the coach and grabbing the back of his neck. The MLS' Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine on Messi for violating the league's "face/head/neck of an opponent policy". This policy is in place to ensure player and staff safety during matches.
Messi's teammate, Luis Suarez, was also fined for a similar incident involving an opposing player. Suarez grabbed NYCFC defender Birk Risa by the back of the neck during a halftime skirmish, prompting the MLS to take disciplinary action against him as well. The fines imposed on Messi and Suarez serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining professional conduct during matches.
The fines imposed on Messi and Suarez are a clear indication that the MLS takes incidents of physical contact seriously and will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against players who violate the league's policies. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Inter Miami and its players respond to this incident and work to maintain a positive and respectful image.
