Pierre Da Silva Suspended Three Games for “Offensive Language” During Preseason Match

Major League Soccer announced tonight that Orlando City midfielder Pierre Da Silva and Philadelphia Union midfielder Fafa Picault have each been issued a three-game suspension and fined an undisclosed amount for use of offensive language during their preseason, doubleheader, closed-door scrimmage on Feb. 14.

Da Silva will miss matches on March 3 against D.C. United, March 10 against Minnesota United FC, and March 17 against New York City.

“MLS, its clubs, players, fans and the MLS Players Association have a zero tolerance policy against offensive, discriminatory language at its games (including pre-season games and scrimmages), and are committed to creating an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity” MLS stated in a press release.

This could be hurt the 19-year-old Peruvian-American, who could have seen some playing time with all the injuries that Orlando City has currently. It doesn’t help Jason Kreis’ shrinking bench for opening day, either. In addition to Da Silva, the Lions will be without Sacha Kljestan (suspension), Oriol Rosell (match fitness), Dom Dwyer (quad strain), Josué Colmán (quad contusion), Dillon Powers (ankle), and potentially Lamine Sané, who has not spent much time with his new teammates after being signed Feb. 20.

Da Silva has had some discipline issues in the past, with multiple USL suspensions. Now he’ll start the 2018 season in street clothes.