In an historic move for Major League Soccer, the MLS Disciplinary Committee has handed down a one-match ban for Real Salt Lake striker Alvaro Saborio following an act of simulation in Saturday’s match against San Jose Earthquakes.
The incident, which garnered wide press coverage after the match, was not seen by the referee as a dive during the match, and San Jose defender Bobby Burling was shown a red card because of the what the referee saw to be a foul.
According to a report from the official MLS site, the MLS Players Union appealed the decision on behalf of Saborio, but MLS Commissioner Don Garber upheld the decision of the committee. The suspension follows a warning from Major League Soccer about simulation and embellishment at the beginning of the season, as well as a similar warning after a clear-cut dive from D.C. United’s Charlie Davies against Real Salt Lake proved controversial.
Saborio was fined $1,000 in addition to receiving the suspension, and San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch was fined $500 for issuing an obscene gesture following the penalty won by the dive.
The MLS has not yet issued a written ruling concerning diving, particularly if it is seen by a referee in the match and punished. It was reported that the Saborio ban was the first for an act of embellishment.
The suspension is a provocative move from the league, and it will prompt many eagle-eyed viewers to watch for future dives and ensuing actions of the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
What’s your take? Should Saborio have received a match ban for his actions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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