Messi Punished For Slapping Philadelphia Union Midfielder Sullivan During Football Match
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined by Major League Soccer (MLS) for slapping Philadelphia Union midfielder Quinn Sullivan during their 2-2 draw on Wednesday.
Messi, 39, slapped Sullivan on the back of the head towards the end of the match after claiming the Union player had elbowed him following a challenge.
Sullivan reacted angrily, but the referee quickly intervened to prevent the situation from escalating.
MLS confirmed that Messi had been fined but did not disclose the amount.
Messi scored Miami’s second goal at Subaru Park, marking his first goal since the death of his father.
The Argentine was not the only Miami player punished for his involvement with Sullivan. Inter Miami defender Ian Fray was also fined after grabbing Sullivan by the neck following a clash between the two players in the box.
The bad-tempered encounter ended with two red cards in stoppage time, with Miami’s Yannick Bright and Sullivan’s brother, Cavan, both sent off.
However, Cavan Sullivan’s one-match suspension was later rescinded following a review.
