Wednesday’s all-Canadian MLS Cup semifinal second leg between Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact had plenty of tension leading up to it, including intense efforts to change BMO Field back to a soccer configuration after Sunday’s Grey Cup and pre-match trolling from the Toronto grounds crew. That tension carried over into the game, especially when TFC striker (and USMNT player) Jozy Altidore went up and caused a major collision with Montreal midfielder Hernán Bernardello:
Yikes.. #TFCLive #TFC #MLS pic.twitter.com/optcRUg08j
— 🇨🇦 Marshall Ferguson 🏈 (@TSN_Marsh) December 1, 2016
Montreal's Hernan Bernardello is back on the pitch after this heavy collision with Jozy Altidore. #TORvMTL https://t.co/VKnoQL1B27
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 1, 2016
That sparked some pushing and shoving. Despite potential head injuries, both players continued, drawing criticism:
What?! They let Bernadello back on the field??? His head was struck *twice* and he was out cold. Shame @MLS
— Exiled_MLS (@Exiled_MLS) December 1, 2016
@thesoccerdon Bernardello was out cold and allowed right back in!!! Your players lives are impacted by the absence of care. Do SOMETHING
— Ken Henry (@Ninerboy14) December 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/BloodyUdall/status/804121305251463169
This even sparked conversation of the levels of violence compared to other sports:
Altidore lookin like Ed reed laying out dudes in the middle of the field #MLSCupPlayoffs
— Giancarlo Pasquini (@G_PASQUINI_4) December 1, 2016
https://twitter.com/trickyjar/status/804120397192929280
Despite being in Canada, THIS IS NOT HOCKEY, TFC…..
— Chris George ♀️⚽📷🐾🏔 (@ChrisGeorgeKC) December 1, 2016
Toronto FC led 2-1 at the half.
