MLS disciplinary round-up: Four clubs & Gonzalo Higuain among fines | OneFootball

The Major League Soccer disciplinary committee has released its latest round of verdicts ahead of the final week of the 2022 regular season.

Four clubs have been punished for violating the league's mass confrontation policy, while a number of players have been handed sanctions.

1. Vancouver Whitecaps & Austin FC violate mass confrontation policy

Both the Vancouver Whitecaps and Austin FC were found to be in violation of the mass confrontation policy at the end of their match on Saturday, with the two sets of players coming together in a heated exchange.For the Whitecaps, this is their first violation of the season so a warning is their only punishment. However, this is Austin's third violation of the season, so the club and head coach Josh Wolff have both been handed undisclosed fines.

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FC Cincinnati and the Chicago Fire have also fallen foul of the MLS mass confrontation policy. In fact, the coming together between these two groups was even more heated, with plenty of pushing and shoving and harsh words.Like Vancouver, this is 's first offense and, so, they get away with a warning. Cincinnati, however, have broken the policy for the second time this season, so the club and head coach Pat Noonan have both been fined.Cincinnati center-back Matt Miazga has also been fined for his role in escalating the situation.

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announced his retirement from soccer earlier this week but before he leaves Major League Soccer, he'll have to pay a fine after being found guilty of simulation/embellishment.The veteran Argentine hit the ground despite no contact from Toronto FC defender Chris Mavinga. Referee Silviu Petrescu wasn't fooled and didn't give a penalty, though, curiously, he didn't show Higuain a yellow card either.

4. Gustavo Vallecilla fined

Colorado Rapids defender Gustavo Vallecilla was given a straight red card for a pretty nasty challenge on FC Dallas full-back Nanu in the 77th minute of their 1-0 win on Saturday.Vallecilla clearly disagreed with the verdict of referee Chris Penso and pleaded his innocence, which has landed him a fine for failing to leave the field in a timely manner.

5. Sergio Santos fined

Brazilian forward Sergio Santos was also shown a red card during Cincinnati's defeat to the Fire. Like Vallecilla, he didn't quite leave the field quick enough for Major League Soccer's liking.