Seattle Sounders star Clint Dempsey was dealt a two-match ban Friday by Major League Soccer's disciplinary committee and fined an undisclosed amount for an off-the-ball incident during the Sounders' 2-1 loss to Toronto FC this past weekend in Seattle.
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caption:Clint Dempsey was dealt a two-match ban.
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MLS also handed out two other player suspensions on Friday, a one match ban to New York Red Bulls defender Armando and a two-match suspension for Chicago Fire defender Lovel Palmer.
Dempsey was seen hitting Toronto defender Mark Bloom in the midsection in the 40th minute of the match, and although Dempsey later argued he was slapping Bloom’s hand away during the altercation, the committee ruled Dempsey used violent conduct during the incident.
The U.S. national team captain will miss the Sounders’ road game versus the Montreal Impact on Saturday and the home match against the Columbus Crew on March 29. He will be eligible to return against the Portland Timbers on April 5.
Dempsey had submitted an appeal through the MLS players union, but the committee’s decision was upheld.
Chicago's Palmer was also given an undisclosed fine for striking Portland Timbers forward Maximiliano Urruti in the 42nd minute of the teams’ 1-1 draw last weekend in Portland. Palmer, who also lost his appeal, will miss the team’s home opener against New York this weekend and will be eligible to return on April 5 against Philadelphia.
New York's Armando was also fined for what MLS called a "serious foul play" against Colorado Rapids forward Deshorn Brown in the 29th minute of their 1-1 draw last weekend when Armando kicked Brown in the midsection while clearing a header near midfield.
Montreal Impact midfielder Justin Mapp was also fined an undisclosed amount for simulation in the 48th minute of the game against the Houston Dynamo last weekend.