Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath Suspended by MLS for Sporting Kansas City Game

Orlando City Head Coach Adrian Heath has been suspended by the Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee for entering the field of play last Friday night as the Lions played the New York Red Bulls at Camping World Stadium.

During the team's 1-1 draw with the Red Bulls, Heath stepped onto the field during the 54th minute to throw a ball back. The action violated the league's policy of personnel not actively in the game stepping onto the field of play. It's the second time Heath has been suspended in his two seasons as an MLS coach. Last year he was suspended following the Lions' 2-0 home loss to the Red Bulls when he was sent off after disagreeing with a referee decision to send off striker Cyle Larin. The red card for Larin was later overturned.

It’s the second time someone with Orlando City has been suspended for entering the field of play this season. Last month, midfielder Antonio Nocerino was suspended a game for entering the field of play following Kevin Molino’s go-ahead goal in stoppage time against the New England Revolution. Nocerino ran out to celebrate with his teammates and was subsequently suspended for the following game in New York against the Red Bulls.

Heath isn't the first coach to be hit with such a suspension by the league, as MLS levied a similarly nit-picky suspension against D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen last month.

Assistant Coach Mark Watson will take over Heath’s game day duties when the Lions travel to Kansas City for Sunday’s clash with Sporting Kansas City.