Miami. Inter Miami star footballer Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer (MLS) for his on-field clash with Philadelphia Union player Quinn Sullivan on Friday. Messi’s Inter Miami teammate Ian Frey has also been fined.
The incident occurred in the 11th minute of extra time of the match, when Messi rushed towards the center circle to tackle Quinn Sullivan while the ball was in play. There was a brief conversation between the two, after which Messi hit Sullivan on the back of the neck.
MLS’s disciplinary committee said Messi and Frey were fined for “violating the league’s policy regarding touching an opposing player’s face, head or neck.”
Sullivan’s brother’s red card canceled
The referee did not show any cards to Messi and Sullivan during the incident. However, Quinn’s younger brother and teammate Cavan Sullivan of Philadelphia and Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright were shown red cards in a scuffle between players of the two teams after the match.
The independent review panel subsequently ruled unanimously in Cavan Sullivan’s favor and his red card was rescinded. After this he will be available for the next match of Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw
The match, played at Subaru Park in Chester, ended in a 2-2 draw. Messi made an important contribution for Inter Miami by scoring a goal in the 26th minute.