Real Salt Lake coach Mike Petke is facing multiple sanctions fo his actions directed toward the officials after the club’s Leagues Cup defeat against Tigres UANL at Rio Tinto Stadium last Wednesday.
Leagues Cup suspension
Petke was suspended by the Leagues Cup Competition Committee for three Leagues Cup matches. Since RSL were eliminated, Petke’s three-game suspension will carry over to future Leagues Cup competitions.
MLS suspension
Following a thorough review, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has suspended Petke for two additional MLS games, three MLS games total, and issued a $25,000 fine for the use of unacceptable and offensive language as well as repeated confrontational misconduct towards match officials.
Additionally, Petke must attend anger management, sensitivity and diversity training. This is in addition to the training that all MLS clubs attend at the beginning of each season.
Petke served his first game of the suspension in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against FC Dallas. He will also miss upcoming matches vs. New York City FC (Aug. 3) and August 10 at Sporting Kansas City.
“There is absolutely no place for this type of behavior in our society, and Major League Soccer does not tolerate the repugnant language used by Mr. Petke,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “All MLS players, staff and fans must know that these comments are unacceptable, and I am extremely disappointed that a leader of one of our clubs used such insensitive language. We are committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect at all times.”
