FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga, the MLS Defender of the Year, will miss his team’s Eastern Conference final against the Columbus Crew after being suspended for three games by the league on Wednesday.
According to a league release, the suspension was handed, along with an unknown fee, for “misconduct” following the playoff game against the New York Red Bulls on November 4.
According to The Athletic and The Philadelphia Inquirer, Miazga went to the officials’ locker room at Red Bull Arena following his team’s victory.
The MLS referees union, PSRA, did not name Miazga or any other player, but did state that “a player gained unlawful admission into the officials’ locker room” and behaved “in an aggressive and confrontational manner” before being removed by stadium security.
Miazga drew a yellow card during the game and another in the penalty shootout, causing him to miss Saturday’s conference semi-final victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Last week, Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan stated that Miazga did not storm into the referee’s room at the final whistle, but rather entered well after the game had ended.
“It is an hour and a half after the game. He had a pizza box in his hand,” Noonan stated. “I suppose people think he was dashing into the room in his cleats. “What transpired was contrived.”
Several media accounts quoted people who denied Miazga needed to be removed by security.
MLS stated that Miazga would “undergo a behavioral assessment through the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program and may appeal for a reduction of suspension depending on sustained commitment and compliance with any suggested treatment programs.”
Miazga’s ban would prevent him from playing in the MLS Cup final on December 9, assuming Cincinnati defeats the Crew and hosts Los Angeles FC or the Houston Dynamo.
If Miazga’s punishment is not lifted, he will serve the remainder of it next season.
The 28-year-old American started his career with the Red Bulls before being traded to Premier League team Chelsea, but he spent the most of his time on loan at European clubs.
He joined Cincinnati in 2022 and has been an important part of the club’s ascent this season, which saw Cincinnati secure the top playoff seed by finishing with the best regular-season record.
Miazga has 28 appearances for the US national team.
