HERRIMAN, Utah (Tuesday, July 30, 2019) – Real Salt Lake Head Coach Mike Petke has been issued a three-game suspension and $25,000 fine by Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and an additional three games by the Leagues Cup Competition Committee for conduct following Real Salt Lake’s Leagues Cup match against Tigres UANL on Wednesday, July 24. Petke has already served one game of his MLS suspension and will serve the remaining two matches on Saturday, August 3, against New York City FC and on Saturday, August 10, on the road against Sporting Kansas City.
The club has issued the following statement:
“We hold everyone in our organization - particularly the leadership - to the highest standards and expect them to treat everyone with dignity and respect. We have the utmost respect for the referees, PRO and Major League Soccer and will be working with the League to ensure that everyone in our organization treats all referees, players, coaches and fans with the dignity, respect, civility and professionalism that is consistent with our values. Although we appreciate Coach Petke’s passion and drive to win, it should never come at the expense of those values. We support and agree with the League’s decision on this matter. Real Salt Lake will additionally be suspending Coach Petke from all club activity for two weeks, without pay. In addition, he will be required to attend anger management courses to help remedy what has been a recurring issue and he will be required to issue written apologies to both the League and the individual referees. As a Club we apologize to our fans for this incident and going forward will continue to demand that all staff adhere to the highest personal standards, without excuse.”
The club will not provide further comment.
