MIAMI — Toronto FC and Club America were fined an undisclosed amount by CONCACAF on Friday for an ugly off-pitch incident in a Champions League semifinal earlier this week.
TFC’s 3-1 first-leg victory over Club America at BMO Field on Tuesday night was marred by a half-time altercation in the tunnel as the two teams left the field.
"The (disciplinary committee) determined that Toronto FC and Club America clearly infringed the Competition Regulations, specifically Art. 52 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code which covers team conduct," said a statement from CONCACAF, soccer’s governing body in North and South America. "In levying the fines for general team misconduct during the halftime of Tuesday’s semifinal match in Toronto, the Committee expressed that it considers the clubs’ conduct unacceptable, as it departs from the principles of Fair Play."
Club America coach Miguel Herrera alleged through a translator that two Toronto police officers were physical with three of his players. He added that two CONCACAF staff members witnessed the incident and was hopeful they’d report what they saw to the proper officials, though on Wednesday morning a spokeswoman for the police force said she had no records of the incident.
Herrera also criticized the officiating. He said referee Henry Bejarano came into the Mexican team’s dressing room before the game and told players to change their underwear.
Toronto head coach Greg Vanney said the incident began when a Club America coach interacted with TFC star Sebastian Giovinco and Jonathan Osorio came to his teammate’s defence.
Osorio, a 25-year-old Toronto native, said a Club America coach elbowed him in the nose.
Everything you need to know about the region’s most prestigious club tournament.
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Notes
- The Reds own a 3-1 aggregate lead after their first leg win at BMO Field.
- TFC are into the semifinal of the Concacaf Champions League for just the second time in club history. The Reds also made the semis in 2011-12, falling to Santos Laguna 7-3 on aggregate.
- Tuesday will mark TFC’s first trip to the Estadio Azteca.
- Having been booked at previous stages throughout the competition, Michael Bradley (Colorado; Leg 1), Jozy Altidore (Tigres; Leg 2), Sebastian Giovinco and Jonathan Osorio (Club América; Leg 1) are one yellow card away from suspension.
A spot in the Concacaf Champions League final is on the line. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the second leg in Mexico City.
Who: Toronto FC at Club América
When: Tuesday, April 10, 10 PM ET
Where: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
TV: TSN 1/4
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