Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been handed an undisclosed fine by Major League Soccer (MLS) for grabbing the neck of a New York City (NYFC) assistant coach after their match last weekend, Afrosport reports.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee sanctioned Messi for violating the league’s policy relating to raising hands to the face, head, or neck of an opponent.
The 37-year-old was pictured grabbing the neck of Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle of their 2-2 draw on 22 February. He put his hand twice on the back of the coach’s neck after the game at Chase Stadium.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was not on target in Inter Miami’s MLS season opener, but he provided the two assists that led to their goals, including a stoppage time winner from Telasco Segovia.
Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez also received a fine for violating the league policy as he was caught pinching the back of NYFC defender Birk Risa’s neck at half-time.
