Toronto FC coach John Herdman alleged that NYCFC mentor Nick Cushing “punched in the face” a 19-12 months-aged Toronto participant. Cushing categorically denied the allegation.
Herdman uncovered the allegation in the postgame push meeting following a contentious match in between Toronto and NYCFC, which NYCFC received 3-2.
“That was the off report report that came into the dressing area at halftime from a 19-yr-previous who stated he received cornered and punched in the experience,” Herdman said when requested immediately if he was alleging that Cushing punched just one of his players.
The alleged incident, in accordance to Herman, transpired at halftime throughout the former sport concerning the two teams on March 16 at Yankee Stadium. The only player in the Toronto initial group who is 19-decades-outdated is Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, although Herdman hardly ever talked about him by name.
“I can truthfully say as a head mentor, I’ve performed 348 video games, I have never ever laid a finger on a player,” Cushing instructed reporters John Molinaro and Neil Davidson.
NYCFC did not quickly reply to a ask for for remark.
Herdman reported very little came of the alleged incident due to the fact “the cameras weren’t functioning in sure spots of the stadium.”
Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio also talked over the allegation.
“Their mentor talks and suggests items to specified players that crosses the line,” Osorio mentioned. “When we hear their coach and three gamers cornered a 19-12 months-previous of ours by himself, which is heading to be a challenge. We were just permitting them know we did not forget about about that.”
Just after the match on Saturday, there was an altercation among the clubs, centered all over TFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson and NYCFC defender Strahinja Tanasijević. Also at the starting of the clip under, Herdman is found charging toward and bumping Cushing. The two have been speedily divided.
Altercation after the final whistle involving Toronto FC and NYCFC.
Sean Johnson and Strahinja Tanasijević in the center of it. pic.twitter.com/qsIRc9Oqhb
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May 12, 2024
“One of their players crossed the line and head-butted Sean Johnson,” Osorio reported. “I noticed it. He head-butted him.”
Johnson invested 6 seasons with NYCFC, profitable MLS Cup. He is the club’s all-time leader in appearances. He signed with Toronto FC in totally free agency ahead of the 2023 period.
(Image: Stephen Nadler / ISI Photographs / Getty Photographs)
Browse the whole write-up right here