LOOK: Clint Dempsey gets a red card after tearing up referee's notepad
Dempsey, captain of the US soccer team, could be facing a lengthy suspension after his tirade in the late stages of Tuesday's match against the Timber.
By
Igor Mello
•
1 min read
US soccer captain Clint Dempsey could be facing a lengthy suspension after his actions in Tuesday's US Open match for the Seattle Sounders against their bitter rivals, the Portland Timbers, per Sam Borden of the New York Times.
While protesting Micheal Azira's extra-time red card, Clint Dempsey approached the referee, slapped the notebook out of the official's hand and tore it up as he walked away. The referee initially gave Dempsey a yellow card until he realized the midfielder wanted no part in participating the final minutes of the match. He was rightfully ejected by Daniel Radford, as his side finished with only seven men.
Just watched video of Clint Dempsey ejection in last night's game; by definition, that's referee assault, which carries a min. 3 month ban.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) June 17, 2015
According to the US soccer bylaws and policies, Dempsey could be facing a minimum of a three-month ban for assaulting the referee. According to Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated, the USSF is currently investigation Tuesday night's incident, and will determine the next steps in the near future. It remains to be seen if he'll participate in next month's CONCACAF Gold Cup. Jurgen Klinsmann's squad will begin play on July 7 against Honduras.
USSF & @opencup DisCo are currently gathering information on incidents in SEA-POR, including Dempsey red card. Next steps determined ASAP.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) June 17, 2015
