0
0
Vancouver Whitecaps Coach Vanni Sartini Receives Reduced Suspension from MLS
Vancouver Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini has recently been granted a partial reprieve from Major League Soccer. Thanks to what the league has described as a “successful petition,” Sartini’s original six-match suspension has been shortened by two games. This development allows the Italian coach to resume his duties on the sidelines for the upcoming match against the Portland Timbers scheduled for March 30.
Issues leading to the suspension arose following the Whitecaps’ 1-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on November 5 at B.C. Place Stadium, effectively ending the team’s playoff aspirations. Sartini’s actions during and after the match resulted in disciplinary measures being taken against him.
During the game, Sartini was shown a red card and subsequently ejected in the 95th minute. His post-game comments, where he criticized the referee’s performance as “disgraceful” and made an inappropriate joke, further exacerbated the situation. As a result of these actions, Sartini received an automatic one-match suspension for the red card and an additional five-game ban for various violations, including entering the field of play in a confrontational manner and publicly criticizing officials.
Aside from the suspension, Sartini was also fined US$20,000 and mandated to complete a league-approved behavioral assessment. The remarks made by Sartini were heavily condemned by the union representing soccer referees in North America, labeling them as “disgusting” and warning that such rhetoric could have dangerous implications.
Following the incident, Sartini issued an apology during a media availability session at the end of the Whitecaps’ season. He acknowledged his shortcomings and expressed regret over the situation, emphasizing that there was no ill-intent behind his actions.
With the reduced suspension now in effect, Sartini will be eligible to return to coaching duties after serving the final game of the penalty against Real Salt Lake. Throughout his absence, assistant coach Michael D’Agostino has been overseeing the team from the sidelines, guiding the Whitecaps to success with a 2-0-1 record and a current second-place standing in the Western Conference.
During the period of suspension, Sartini has been restricted from accessing the Whitecaps’ locker room and field level, as well as prohibited from communicating with the team or club staff from 90 minutes before kickoff until the final whistle. However, he has been allowed to lead training sessions and engage in other team-related activities, with the ban not extending to preseason or CONCACAF Champions Cup matches.
Image/Photo credit: source url
