Major League Soccer: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez fined for this reason

Major League Soccer (MLS) has fined prolific footballers Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez an undisclosed amount of money for not paying attention to the league’s “hands to the face/neck of an opponent” rule during a recent match.

This happened during Inter Miami FC’s season-opening match against NYCFC on Saturday. MLS announced the disciplinary action on Tuesday. “It is difficult sometimes to control emotions,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.

He highlighted that in football, it is important to understand the players and the emotions of the game. Despite the fines, both players are appearing for Inter Miami’s upcoming matches. Luis Suarez has been fined for pinching the back of opposing player Birk Risa’s neck.

On the other hand, the MLS Disciplinary Committee took its recent decision after the eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient Messi approached a member of the opposition coaching staff, Mehdi Ballouchy, and put his hand on the back of his neck.