Mike Petke will be sitting out two more games for RSL and he probably won’t be smiling. (Photo courtesy of RSL)
NEW YORK — Mike Petke got hit by not one, but two suspensions for his post-game conduct at Leagues Cup match July 24.
The Real Salt Lake head coach was banned for three League Cup games and two additional Major League Soccer matches. The Bohemia, N.Y. native also was fined $25,000 for the use of unacceptable and offensive language as well as repeated confrontational misconduct towards match officials.
Petke must attend anger management, sensitivity and diversity training, MLS said. This is in addition to the training that all MLS clubs attend at the beginning of each season.
Petke served the first game of his suspension during Real Salt Lake’s match at FC Dallas July 27. The two additional games will be served during RLS’s next two matches vs. New York City FC Aug. 3 and at Sporting Kansas City Aug. 10.
“There is absolutely no place for this type of behavior in our society, and Major League Soccer does not tolerate the repugnant language used by Mr. Petke,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “All MLS players, staff and fans must know that these comments are unacceptable, and I am extremely disappointed that a leader of one of our clubs used such insensitive language. We are committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect at all times.”
