NYCFC coach calls for MLS investigation after being accused of punching Toronto player

football

From Christian Arnold

Published
May 14, 2024, 1:14 am ET

New York City FC coach Nick Cushing is calling on Major League Soccer to launch a full investigation into allegations made over the weekend by Toronto FC head coach John Herdman during an altercation after a game at Yankee Stadium in March allegedly hit a player.

Cushing denied the claim and opened a virtual media release Monday by telling reporters that the club “proactively asked MLS to investigate the incident.”

Herdman brought the incident to light during a postgame press conference Saturday night following a particularly heated game between NYCFC and Toronto that featured an on-field brawl after New York earned a 3-2 victory at BMO Field had.

NYCFC coach Nick Cushing calls for MLS investigation. USA TODAY Sports

“I categorically deny any involvement or incident in which I struck or assaulted a Toronto FC player,” Cushing said Monday, according to The Athletic. “I personally am shocked. I am dismayed by the accusation.”

Cushing did not go beyond the initial comment and said that MLS and the club’s lawyers would take over the investigation.

Toronto’s head coach claimed Saturday that there was an “unofficial” report from a 19-year-old player on the team that he was “cornered and punched in the face” during the March 16 game between the two Eastern Conference teams Societies.

The incident reportedly occurred in the tunnel and there were two cameras outside the locker room. NYCFC reportedly sent the footage to the league in March and never heard anything about the incident.

Striker Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty is reportedly the player Cushing allegedly hit, The Athletic reported.

He is also the only 19-year-old on the Toronto FC roster.

Herdman reiterated his claim during a media conference Monday, which took place shortly before Cushing spoke to reporters.

“I think when you appear in the media you have to speak honestly,” Herdman said. “The honest information conveyed by the team and the young player was that they were involved in this altercation. As a coach, I have to trust my players and support and support them.”

MLS told The Athletic it is aware of the situation and is investigating the matter.

Saturday’s brawl saw both teams pushing each other and having to be separated, with Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson and NYCFC defender Strahinja Tanasijević taking center stage.

NYCFC has two games this week with the Philadelphia Union and New York Red Bulls.

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