United States captain and Seattle Sounders midfielder Clint Dempsey has been suspended for three MLS matches for his actions during last week's US Open Cup tie with the Portland Timbers. Dempsey was sent off in the 113th minute for ripping up the referee's book in protest of the red card issued to Michael Azira just a minute before.
Dempsey's actions shocked all followers of US Soccer, and there were rumours which suggested he could be suspended for as long as three months. Critically, suspending him for three months would have ruled out of action for the United States Men's National Team in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
However, this three game suspension will be served by June 28th, making him eligible for the Gold Cup which kicks off on July 7th. Dempsey's suspension from MLS will only apply to league action, and means that he will ineligible for selection in Seattle's upcoming matches against the San Jose Earthquakes, Philadelphia Union and Portland Timbers.
It is expected that the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) will impose their own suspension, but it will only apply to future Open Cup action with a fine attached to it. That will be far less important to Dempsey, given that Seattle has already been eliminated from this season's edition of the tournament.
Frankly, it appears that Dempsey has gotten off easily, particularly given the early rumors that the suspension could have been as long as three months long. While Seattle will undoubtedly miss him, particularly in the Cascadia Cup tie with the Timbers, he will not miss out on the Gold Cup and will be able to contine as an integral member of the Sounders for the remainder of the season.
Widespread criticism is already being leveled at both MLS and the USSF for the length of the suspension. That centers around the question of whether or not Dempsey is being given special treatment both for his importance to the league and to the national team, and whether or not the same punishment would be given to a different player.