Toronto FC coach John Herdman alleged that NYCFC mentor Nick Cushing “punched in the face” a 19-yr-outdated Toronto participant. Cushing categorically denied the allegation.
Herdman unveiled the allegation in the postgame press convention next a contentious match concerning Toronto and NYCFC, which NYCFC received 3-2.
“That was the off file report that arrived into the dressing room at halftime from a 19-year-outdated who said he bought cornered and punched in the confront,” Herdman mentioned when questioned directly if he was alleging that Cushing punched a person of his gamers.
The alleged incident, in accordance to Herman, transpired at halftime through the prior activity amongst the two groups on March 16 at Yankee Stadium. The only participant in the Toronto to start with workforce who is 19-decades-old is Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty, although Herdman under no circumstances stated him by identify.
“I can actually say as a head coach, I have performed 348 online games, I have never ever at any time laid a finger on a participant,” Cushing explained to reporters John Molinaro and Neil Davidson.
NYCFC did not straight away respond to a ask for for comment.
Herdman mentioned nothing arrived of the alleged incident because “the cameras weren’t doing the job in sure locations of the stadium.”
Toronto FC captain Jonathan Osorio also discussed the allegation.
“Their mentor talks and suggests items to selected gamers that crosses the line,” Osorio said. “When we hear their mentor and three gamers cornered a 19-yr-outdated of ours by himself, which is going to be a problem. We had been just letting them know we didn’t overlook about that.”
Soon after the match on Saturday, there was an altercation concerning the clubs, centered all over TFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson and NYCFC defender Strahinja Tanasijević. Also at the beginning of the clip below, Herdman is noticed charging towards and bumping Cushing. The two ended up rapidly separated.
Altercation following the remaining whistle between Toronto FC and NYCFC.
Sean Johnson and Strahinja Tanasijević in the middle of it. pic.twitter.com/qsIRc9Oqhb
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May well 12, 2024
“One of their players crossed the line and head-butted Sean Johnson,” Osorio reported. “I observed it. He head-butted him.”
Johnson invested six seasons with NYCFC, winning MLS Cup. He is the club’s all-time chief in appearances. He signed with Toronto FC in totally free company ahead of the 2023 time.
(Photograph: Stephen Nadler / ISI Pics / Getty Photographs)
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