NEW YORK – Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber announced on Friday that Portland Timbers head coach John Spencer will be suspended for one game and fined $2,500 for inappropriate public comments about officiating in MLS. Spencer’s total fine includes the automatic $500 fine he received for being sent off during the Timbers’ game against the Colorado Rapids on June 11.



“John Spencer’s recent public criticism of MLS officials was not constructive and will not be tolerated,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “We recognize that referee’s decisions can be debated, but public comments cannot impugn the credibility of the officials or the league. MLS requires that its players, coaches, and club leadership maintain proper respect for the officials at all times.”