Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been banned from competing in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup for at least two years. The United States Soccer Federation completed a review of the incidents of the Chicago Fire’s 2-1 Quarterfinal loss to DC United on July 8 and decided on the length of the suspension, which could be extended depending on the number of Open Cup games the Fire are involved in over the next two seasons.
The Mexican international was shown a red card at the end of the first extra time period after throwing a punch at United midfielder Clyde Simms. After DC’s Marc Burch retaliated on his teammate’s behalf, Burch and Blanco were both sent off. Reportedly, as he left the field, a DC United official attempted to usher him from the sidelines toward the locker room, but the official was nearly head butted by the Chicago Fire star.
A week later, Blanco issued a public apology for his actions that night.
According to a press release sent out on July 31, Major League Soccer has also punished the 2008 MLS All Star Game MVP. Blanco has received a fine of $7,500 for “behavior detrimental to the public image and reputation of the League.”