FC Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga, recently named the 2023 MLS defender of the year, will be facing a suspension that will see him out of the Eastern Conference final and, potentially, the MLS Cup. According to MLS, Miazga was suspended for three games, fined, and mandated to undergo a behavioral assessment through the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program. This comes after Miazga entered the officials’ locker room following FC Cincinnati’s win over the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on Nov. 4.
Miazga can petition for a reduction in suspension based on continued commitment and compliance with any recommended treatment programs. However, the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA), a union representing professional soccer referees in the US, called for action from MLS after a player had to be “forcibly removed” from the officials’ locker room. The PSRA described the incident as an “unacceptable and unprecedented violation of league policy and sporting integrity.”
FC Cincinnati coach Pat Noonan disputed the claims, stating that details of Miazga entering the locker room had been “fabricated.” However, sources revealed that Miazga left the referee’s locker room with a member of Cincinnati’s staff and was not forcibly removed by stadium security. It was reported that Miazga wanted to speak with referee Victor Rivas about the yellow cards he received at the end of the game against the Red Bulls, which ultimately resulted in his suspension for the Eastern Conference final.
The Eastern Conference final and, if Cincinnati advances, MLS Cup, will be played without Miazga due to his suspension. This news comes as a setback for FC Cincinnati as they aim for success in the playoffs.