Darwin Ceren Suspended and Fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee

Orlando City midfielder Darwin Ceren has been suspended for one game and fined an undisclosed amount by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for a foul committed Sunday in Seattle.

In the 61st minute, after playing a ball to Luke Boden, Ceren threw arm upward toward Sounders midfielder Erik Friberg, apparently hitting him in the face. Ceren initially received a caution for the offense which would have him suspended for yellow card accumulation. However, after reviewing the play, the Disciplinary Committee has decided the punishment should be upgraded to a red card (link contains video of the incident) and carry a one game suspension.

The play in question is, in the unanimous opinion of the Committee from all the video evidence, a clear and unequivocal red card; and The play in question is of an egregious or reckless nature, such that the Committee must act to protect player safety or the integrity of the game. It is the Committee's unanimous decision that Darwin Ceren's action was violent conduct that endangered the safety of an opponent. Mr. Ceren is suspended for 1 game and will be issued an undisclosed fine for this action.

Ceren remains on four yellows, leaving him one short of a one game suspension. He will need to play three consecutive games without being cautioned to receive the good behavior incentive which would reduce his yellow card accumulation number by one.

Ceren has been an integral part of Orlando City this season starting 20 games and scoring two goals with one assist. He is also expected to miss the team’s Sept. 5 clash with the New England Revolution for a third-round CONCACAF region World Cup qualifier with El Salvador against Curaçao.