United Midfielder Richie Williams Fined
August 15, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
NEW YORK (Thursday, August 15, 2002) - Major League Soccer's Disciplinary Committee has fined D.C. United midfielder Richie Williams for his conduct during and after a match against the Kansas City Wizards on Saturday, August 10 at RFK Stadium. No other penalties were assessed to players or coaches from either D.C. United or Kansas City.
Williams was assessed three separate fines totaling $ 1,000.00 for his various forms of misconduct during the game. The veteran midfielder received a $500 fine for comments made to reporters during post-game media interviews.
During a heated exchange with referee Noel Kenny during stoppage time of the match, Williams was also issued a yellow card that pushed his season caution point total over 21 points, an offense that mandates a fine of $250. In addition, Williams was given an administrative caution for excessive dissent, a penalty that carries with it an automatic $250 fine.
Both D.C. United and Kansas City return to action this weekend. United travels to San Jose on Saturday to face the Earthquakes in a match televised nationally on ESPN2 at 4:00 p.m. ET. The Wizards will host the Columbus Crew at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday (8:00 p.m. ET).
Noel Kenny Removed from Active Referee Pool for 2002 MLS Season
Due to the desires of Noel Kenny and in accordance with U.S. Soccer's program for referee assessment, it has been determined that Kenny will not be assigned to MLS regular season or playoff matches for the remainder of League's 2002 campaign.
Referees assigned to MLS matches are removed from active duty if they receive two major failing assessments during any one season. Kenny received his second failing assessment of 2002 for Saturday's match between D.C. United and Kansas City, his first occurred on July 4 during a match between Chicago and Colorado.
"Noel has been one of our best officials over the course of the past six seasons and we anticipate him returning to the MLS Referee Pool in 2003," said Joe Machnik, Assistant to the MLS Deputy Commissioner for On-Field Competition. "Unfortunately for everybody this is a painful part the process to improve the officiating in our League."
Kenny is the second official removed from the assignment pool of MLS referees this season. Since the 1997 MLS season (year two), a number of referees and assistant referees have been dropped from the pool of officials.
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Major League Soccer Stories from August 15, 2002
- United Midfielder Richie Williams Fined - MLS
- Crew Announce Golf, Karaoke Details - Columbus Crew SC
- MetroStars Sign Defender Leo Krupnik as a Discovery Player - New York Red Bulls
- Galaxy Sends Henry Zambrano to D.C. - LA Galaxy
- D.C. United Acquires Colombian Striker Henry Zambrano From Los Angeles - D.C. United
- AT&T Wireless 'Kick for Cash' to Take Place Sunday - Sporting Kansas City
- Wizards Midfielder Francisco Gomez Inks Four Year Deal - Sporting Kansas City
- Celtic Heritage Day at INVESCO Field - Colorado Rapids
- Wizards Fall to Fire on the Road - Sporting Kansas City
- Fire Cruises Past Kansas City, 5-1 - Chicago Fire FC
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