MLS disciplinary round-up: Douglas Costa & Erik Holt suspended for violent conduct | OneFootball

The MLS disciplinary committee has released its decisions for Weeks 17 and 18, with a number of suspensions and fines handed out.

1. Philadelphia Union's Jose Martinez picks up double fine

Jose Martinez was shown a second yellow card after he pulled down Kacper Przybylko in the 72nd minute of the Philadelphia Union's 1-0 defeat to the Chicago Fire in Week 17.Not only did Martinez take his time leaving the field, but he also sent some unsavory gestures in the direction of the Chicago supporters. For both offenses, the Venezuelan has been fined an undisclosed amount.

2. Kevin Cabral fined after red card against Minnesota

Kevin Cabral was also sent off in Week 17, on the 25-minute mark of the LA Galaxy's 3-2 defeat at home to Minnesota United. In fairness to Cabral, the red card was given for the slightest of touches on Loons goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair, who made the most of the contact.But for staying on the pitch to plead his innocence, Cabral has been fined.

3. Daniel Aguirre guilty of simulation/embellishment

As the Galaxy fought hard to overturn a 3-0 deficit - eventually getting to 3-2 - Daniel Aguirre pulled out a trick to try and level the number of players on each team, going down holding his face under no contact from Wil Trapp. In fairness, Trapp did have his foot quite high and would have made contact with Aguirre had the Galaxy man not pulled out of the challenge.Still, it was all pretty embarrassing and Aguirre has been fined for his theatrics after being found guilty of simulation/embellishment.Trapp's yellow card has been absolved from his season total and any disciplinary points against MNUFC will be dismissed.

4. Douglas Costa suspension extended

This Galaxy-Minnesota clash was particularly feisty.Deep into second-half stoppage time, Douglas Costa was sent off for a nasty elbow to the head of Minnesota midfielder Joseph Rosales.After review, Costa's one-game suspension has been doubled. The Brazilian missed LA's 4-0 win over CF Montreal and will also be absent for their El Trafico clash with LAFC this weekend.A statement from MLS read: "The play was reviewed under Disciplinary Committee Parameter 2, in which the MLS Disciplinary Committee may act where the officials see an incident and issue a red card. The Disciplinary Committee may review the play for further disciplinary action, over and above the mandatory suspension and fine. Under Parameter 2, supplemental discipline (suspension and/or fine) will be administered if the Disciplinary Committee believes the offense is egregious in nature, and/or it must act to protect player safety, and/or it must protect the integrity of the game, and/or the player is guilty of repeat behavior."

5. Columbus Crew center-back Milos Degenek fined

On to Week 18 and Columbus Crew defender Milos Degenek has been fined after violating Major League Soccer's policy regarding hands to the face/head/neck. The Australian pushed Philadelphia Union full-back Kai Wagner in the neck during a heated exchange late in the first half.

6. Erik Holt fined and suspended for violent conduct

Though he wasn't punished at the time, Erik Holt has been found guilty of violent conduct after elbowing Minnesota United playmaker Emanuel Reynoso in the of the head late into Real Salt Lake's 3-2 defeat in Week 18.Holt has been given a one-game suspension, which he will serve against the Colorado Rapids this weekend, and an undisclosed fine.An MLS statement read: "The play was reviewed under Disciplinary Committee Parameter 3, in which officials see an incident, and do not issue a red card or act on a case of clear and obvious simulation/embellishment that meets the conditions for suspension outlined in Section VI.B.4.d. The Disciplinary Committee may review the play for further disciplinary action, over and above the mandatory suspension and fine. Under Parameter 3, supplemental discipline (suspension and/or fine) will be administered if the Disciplinary Committee believes the offense is egregious in nature, and/or it must act to protect player safety, and/or it must protect the integrity of the game, and/or the player is guilty of repeat behavior."