Red Bulls midfielder Juninho was fined and suspended for one extra game by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for kicking the ball at Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen during a deadball situation in the 91st minute of their 1-0 loss last Wednesday. The Committee determined that Juninho’s actions constituted violent conduct that endangered the safety of his opponent.
The referee issued Juninho a red card, which carries an automatic one-game suspension and fine. Thus, he will serve a total suspension of two games: Last Saturday’s 4-1 rout of visiting New England and this weekend’s tilt at Toronto FC.
This gives coach Mike Petke another week to sort out any tactical decisions of how to fit the 38-year-old Juninho, Tim Cahill and Dax McCarty into his crowded central midfield.