Major League Soccer has suspended Colorado Rapids goalie (and American hero) Tim Howard three games for several interactions with fans in Kansas City.
Howard was caught on video last week saying something, um, vulgar to a rival supporter.
https://twitter.com/nmedrano_17/status/851266904756899840
ESPN reports that Howard also grabbed a Sporting Kansas City fan by the arm as he left the field that day.
MLS’ announcement of Howard’s suspension said that the goalkeeper was being disciplined “for foul language directed toward a fan during the Rapids’ 3-1 loss against Sporting Kansas City and for an altercation with a fan following the game.”
The Colorado Rapids, Howard’s team, released a statement Friday calling Howard’s actions “unfortunate and regrettable” but professing that they are “uncharacteristic for Tim.”
The MLS Players’ Union was not quite so understanding. In a scathing state, the union called security at the game “wholly inadequate,” criticizing Sporting KC and MLS for letting a fan get close enough to Howard to provoke an altercation.
“Tim takes responsibility for his actions, but MLS needs to do the same, and send a clear message that is is committed to creating a safe experience not only for its fans but for its players too.”
Statement on Tim Howard Disciplinary Decision: "Tim takes responsibility for his actions, but MLS needs to do the same…" pic.twitter.com/uQMTV6Hk9O
— MLSPA (@MLSPA) April 15, 2017
Clearly Howard should not have said something not-so-nice about that fan’s mother. And no random beer-guzzling fan should be allowed to approach a professional athlete as he’s leaving the field. Howard will pay his penance with a three-game suspension. We’ll see if MLS and Sporting KC will pay theirs.
