Rapids' Kramer Suspended, Fined

July 12, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release

The fine and suspension, equivalent to that of a red card, are a result of Kramer's serious foul play during the Rapids' 2-1 overtime loss at Naperville, Ill., last week against the Chicago Fire. During the game's 56th minute, Kramer ventured out of the box to challenge Chicago midfielder DaMarcus Beasley on a breakaway and collided with the U.S. World Cup player, erasing a clear goal-scoring opportunity for the Fire. Kramer, shown a yellow card by referee Kevin Stott, was ruled in unanimous agreement by the MLS Disciplinary Committee and its supplementary advisory panel to have committed an unequivocal red card offense, thereby earning the one-game suspension and $250 fine.

In response to input from MLS teams, the circumstances in which it would be appropriate and necessary for the League's Disciplinary Committee to act have been expanded. New cases to be considered for review in 2002 shall include those circumstances where an incident was seen by the Referee (and/or officiating crew), but not deemed by them to be worthy of a red card (send-off). In such circumstances, if in the opinion of the Disciplinary Committee the offense clearly and unequivocally is worthy of a straight red card (send-off), the Committee shall impose sanctions accordingly. The Committee may act on an appeal from a team and also retains the right to review any incidents it deems necessary of its own volition.

During past seasons, the Disciplinary Committee acted in the following situations:

1. A Competition Incident Report is submitted by either the Referee or by one of the competing Teams; or
2. A violation of the dissent initiative, instituted in 2001, occurs; or
3. Any instance of public criticism against League officials, game officials or the League itself that brings any of the aforementioned into disrepute; or
4. The Referee and/or officiating crew fails to see an incident that in the opinion of the Disciplinary Committee was clearly and unequivocally worthy of a red card (send-off); or
5. There is a case of mistaken identity in the awarding of either a yellow or red card; or
6. Any incident of egregious conduct for which, despite the maximum application of the laws administered by the Referee, further punishment may be warranted; or
7. A violation of the US Soccer Referee Abuse and Assault Policy occurs or is perceived to occur; or The Lamar Hunt Open Cup Committee of US Soccer abdicates its responsibility.

In accordance with recent policies, the Disciplinary Committee will not review appeals intended to overturn a yellow or red card unless it is for a case of mistaken identity. Further, the MLS Disciplinary Committee will not review instances where a second yellow card would have led to the player's being sent-off unless that instance in and of itself was deemed by them to be worthy of a straight red card.

The administration of such supplemental discipline (i.e. fines, suspensions) shall occur when clear and unequivocal agreement exists among the members of both the Disciplinary Committee and its advisory panel. The advisory panel, whose members are selected from a pool of ex-MLS players and ex-MLS coaches, and whose identity shall remain confidential, is convened whenever suspensions are considered for red card offenses where a red card was not issued by the referee.

Major League Soccer Stories from July 12, 2002

• Top Two Teams in MLS Square Off Tomorrow at Cotton Bowl - FC Dallas
• Burn Signs Irish Midfielder Ronnie O'Brien - FC Dallas
• Rapids' Kramer Suspended, Fined - MLS
• Kramer Suspended by MLS - Colorado Rapids
• Fire at MetroStars Game Preview - Chicago Fire FC
• Elliott, Hendrickson Sign New Deals with MLS - LA Galaxy
• MetroStars Call Up John Wilson From Charleston Battery - New York Red Bulls
• Train Like A National Team Player - Colorado Rapids

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