El Brujo set to miss additional games after “violent conduct”

MLS Disciplinary Committee says he could face more punishment

The Philadelphia Union will be without Jose Martinez for an additional two matches. This means the earliest Martinez will be able to suit up for the U is May 23rd with the boys in blue visit DC United.

Friday evening the MLS Disciplinary Committee announced Martinez’s suspension for a total of three matches. He was also fined an undisclosed amount for his violent conduct in the Union’s match against New York City FC. The conduct happened during the 14th minute when Martinez clashed with NYCFC striker Taty Castellanos, he was initially served a yellow card. However during a video review it was clear he hit Castellanos in the face. That conduct earned the ref to change his mind and issue a straight red card.

Martinez will now be suspended from the May 8th, May 12th and May 15th games. El Brujo was also suspended from the second leg of this week’s CONCACAF champions league because of yellow card accumulation.

The committee also said the play was reviewed under Disciplinary Committee Parameter #2. This parameter allows the committee to act where officials see an incident and issue a red card.

More disciplinary action may come Martinez’s way, as the committee may review the play again. Additional suspension and fines could come if they believe the play is egregious in nature, and/or it must act to protect player safety, and/or it must protect the integrity of the game, and/or the player is guilty of repeat behavior.