CONCACAF has levied fines and suspensions on Cruz Azul and CD Alajuelense – who play D.C. United in the upcoming Champions League quarterfinals round – for their involvement in an altercation following their group-stage match Oct. 21 in Costa Rica, it was announced Monday.
Alajuelense’s starting goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton and midfielder Kevin Sancho, also a regular starter, were each handed six-game suspensions, of which the first two must be served during the two quarterfinal legs against D.C. United on Feb. 26 and March 4.
Mauro Formica of eliminated Cruz Azul was also suspended six matches, applicable to any future participation in the CCL, for inciting the incident. The suspension does not apply to FIFA events and would not have carried over to the recently played 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, in which Cruz Azul participated.
Each team was fined a separate, undisclosed amount for the incident.
The Cruz Azul fine was for player participation in the altercation, as well as an additional penalty for repeated infractions to the applicable CONCACAF and FIFA regulations regarding sportsmanlike behavior and fair play in CCL games.
Alajuelense, the home team for the match, were also fined for players’ involvement in the altercation, including an additional fine for their failure to properly secure the playing field against incursions from spectators and media at the conclusion of the match.
