MLS Disciplinary Committee Suspends Brian Gutiérrez, Fines Multiple Players After Matchday 15
After a heated Matchday 15 across MLS, the league’s Disciplinary Committee has handed down fines and suspensions to several players, including a ban for Chicago Fire’s Brian Gutiérrez.
Here’s a full breakdown of the latest disciplinary rulings:
Brian Gutiérrez Suspended, Fined for Violent Conduct
Chicago Fire FC midfielder Brian Gutiérrez has been suspended for one match following a red card in the 31st minute of Chicago’s clash against New York City FC on May 25. The punishment doesn’t stop there — the league also issued a fine for violent conduct related to the incident.
To make matters worse, Gutiérrez has received an additional fine for failing to promptly exit the field after being sent off in the 32nd minute. The delay drew the attention of officials and led to a second disciplinary action.
He will miss Chicago’s next match as a result of the suspension.
Dje D’Avilla Also Fined in Fiery Chicago Match
Gutiérrez wasn’t the only Fire player cited. Midfielder Dje D’Avilla has been fined for similar behavior, receiving punishment for not leaving the field in a timely manner after being substituted out in the 84th minute of the same match against NYCFC.
The game, which saw tensions flare between the two sides, ended with multiple postgame discussions about player discipline and conduct.
Lorenzo Insigne Fined for Hands to the Head Violation
Toronto FC star Lorenzo Insigne has been fined for violating MLS policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck area of an opponent. The incident occurred during second-half stoppage time of Toronto’s 2-1 loss to Nashville SC on May 24.
The league has not announced a suspension, but the fine signals MLS’s continued emphasis on cracking down on potentially dangerous contact in confrontations.
Jordi Alba Fined for Similar Incident
Inter Miami CF defender Jordi Alba has also been fined for violating the league’s same “hands to the face/head/neck” policy. The infraction took place in the 57th minute of Miami’s thrilling 3-3 draw with the Philadelphia Union.
Alba, a veteran with a fiery reputation, avoided further suspension but was fined for the incident, which was reviewed after the match by the Disciplinary Committee.
MLS Emphasizes Discipline in High-Emotion Matches
These rulings reflect MLS’s ongoing efforts to maintain control and sportsmanship, especially in emotionally charged moments late in games or after controversial decisions. The league has been consistent in penalizing players for slow exits, unsportsmanlike contact, and unnecessary escalation.
Clubs and players are expected to adjust accordingly, especially with playoff positioning already starting to take shape in the tightly packed standings.
Bottom Line:
With emotions running high in Matchday 15, the MLS Disciplinary Committee sent a clear message to players across the league: play hard, but play within the rules. From suspensions to fines, accountability remains a core value as MLS pushes toward midseason form.
