Just how long will Kaku’s suspension be? (Peter G. Aiken/USA TODAY Sports)
By Michael Lewis
FrontRowSoccer.com Editor
To paraphrase commissioner Don Garber at the MLS SuperDraft through the years, “Major League Soccer, you’re on the clock.”
On the clock to see what sort of punishment the league will mete out to Red Bulls midfielder Kaku.
On Sunday night, Kaku did the unthinkable, slamming a ball into the stands and hitting a face in the face from close range. The fan reportedly suffered a bloody nose and needed medical attention.
There is no excuse for what transpired – it was reprehensible — and MLS must dole out a proper punishment.
At the very least, Kaku will receive a one-game suspension for his red card four minutes into stoppage time in the Red Bulls’ 2-2 draw at Sporting Kansas City Sunday night.
He should receive a multi-match ban, at least four or five games.
If we go by history, the suspension should be lengthy.
In 2011, Brian Mullan was given a 10-game ban for breaking the leg of Steve Zakuani.
The only other 10-game suspension was for an off-the-field incident when Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway and defender Jeff Parke were sanctioned in 2008 for using a supplement declared illegal by the league.
This has been the best of years for Kaku, who failed to obtain a transfer to Club America for millions of dollars and made some cryptic tweets. His agent made some ill-advised comments. Kaku has not come anywhere near expectations or his 2018 performance, when the Red Bulls won the Supporters Shield.
What’s next?
A nice lengthy ban will do, thank you.
The MLS disciplinary committee should throw the book at Kaku to make a statement that this kind of conduct will not be tolerated because the safety of the fans is a top priority.
Anything else will be disappointing and bring the league’s integrity into question.
MLS, you’re on the clock and we’re waiting intently.
