NEW YORK – A soccer fan in Atlanta has been banned by Major League Soccer from attending matches, the league announced Thursday.

During Tuesday’s match between Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC, a spectator threw a plastic cup that struck Professional Referee Organization official Armando Villarreal.

The spectator, who was identified and removed from the stadium by security officials, has been charged with assault by the Atlanta Police Department.

The league has banned the individual from attending MLS matches.

MLS has no tolerance for this type of behavior or any behavior that threatens the safety of players, coaches, referees, staff and fans.

The fan was not identified by MLS.

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.