MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps Fine Players For Unsportsmanlike Behaviour

Published on June 15, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club have fined defender Wesley Charles and forward Charles Gbeke for an undisclosed amount, as a result of their unsportsmanlike behaviour during the Whitecaps home match versus Miami FC Blues last Friday evening.

In addition to the monetary fines, the players will be suspended. Tomorrow the United Soccer Leagues will make a decision regarding the duration of their league suspensions, at which time the club will also announce the full extent of their suspensions.

"As a club, we do not condone any violent conduct on or off the field," said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. "The events that took place near the end of Friday's match are inexcusable and there are consequences the players must now face for their actions. Wesley and Charles are veteran players and have both taken full responsibility for their actions, are remorseful, and accept their discipline."

"First and foremost, I want to apologize to the club for everything that happened, as it should never have happened and was very out of character for me," said Charles. "I also want to apologize to the fans and all of my teammates for letting them down on Friday night."

"I want to apologize to my teammates and coaches, as well as the whole Whitecaps organization," said Gbeke. "I especially want to apologize to the fans because we let them down. The fans have always been gracious and supportive of us, so I'm hoping for their forgiveness and that they give me a second chance. I hope we can grow out of this situation and become closer as a team."

"We have had a chance to speak with all involved parties and we are confident we can put the incident behind us," added head coach Teitur Thordarson. "We are moving forward as a united team."

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