The NWSL’s Disciplinary Committee announced its decisions Tuesday following the events over the weekend.
Kansas City forward Kristin Edmonds got a fine and an additional game suspension for the altercation that happened in the 91st minute of the game against Portland on Friday between her and Portland’s Morgan Weaver. On top of the automatic one-game suspension, the league issued another one-game suspension. She will miss upcoming games against the Chicago Red Stars (4/20) and the Houston Dash (4/26).
The Portland Thorns successfully appealed forward Morgan Weaver’s red card. All disciplinary action has been rescinded and she will be allowed to play in the Thorns’ match against the Red Stars on Thursday.
While Weaver’s suspension was lifted, Portland was issued additional fines for defender Meghan Klingenberg’s postgame comments, which “were determined (to be) in violation of Section 12.1.4 (e) “Prejudicial Statements and Public Criticism” of the League Operations Manual.”
Steph Yang called the entire situation a “mess” on Twitter and asserted that Klingenberg shouldn’t have been fined.
These are Klingenberg's full statements relevant to the refereeing after Portland vs KC, which are honestly very mild and not deserving of a fine. These are legitimate, respectful criticisms and players should be allowed to make them. #NWSL pic.twitter.com/QJLWW5bdcR
— Steph Yang | Horrible Soccer Goose (@thrace) April 13, 2021
The Equalizer’s Jeff Kassouf called Klingenberg “measured, calm, and not at all disrespectful” in her statements made after the game.
This is year, idk, 12? of tweeting this (multiple leagues, granted) but players/coaches getting fined for the most basic of criticisms is ludicrous. In this case, Meghan Klingenberg was measured, calm and not at all disrespectful to a ref. Nor did she undermine the league.
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 13, 2021
Racing Louisville FC forward Jorian Baucom was issued a one-game suspension after review of the incident in the 83rd minute of Louisville’s match against the Orlando Pride. Her high-footed tackle on Ali Riley late in the game has been deemed a “major game misconduct” and cannot be appealed.
So apparently this is what the ref thinks getting your ‘foot stepped on’ looks like 🧐 Was scared for my knee upon impact but luckily it was just my ‘foot.’ pic.twitter.com/XKRZMeozBW
— Ali Riley (@RileyThree) April 11, 2021
The Chicago Red Stars and Gotham FC were also fined, reportedly for comments made by Red Stars’ co-owner Sarah Spain and FC GM Alyse LaHue on social media.