A heated soccer match between New York City FC and Toronto FC turned ugly on Saturday night, erupting into a massive brawl involving players, coaches, and allegations of punching.
On a night that was supposed to showcase the rivalry between Major League Soccer's New York City FC and Toronto FC, emotions boiled over into a physical altercation that overshadowed the action on the pitch.
Following NYCFC's 3-2 win over Toronto at BMO Field, tensions escalated into a chaotic brawl that involved punching accusations. Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson found himself in the center of the melee, repeatedly trying to target NYCFC's Strahinja Tanasijević.
The altercation was not limited to players, as both head coaches, Toronto's John Herdman and NYCFC's Nick Cushing, were seen exchanging words and physical contact. Herdman later alleged that Cushing had punched one of his 19-year-old players in the face.
Cushing vehemently denied Herdman's claim, stating that he has never laid a finger on a player throughout his extensive coaching career. The alleged incident had apparently fueled the animosity between the two teams, according to Toronto captain Jonathan Osorio.
"There was a lot of animosity from what happened last time," Osorio said. "I understand maybe our emotions got the best of us a little bit, but we were talking, we weren't being physical or nothing. But this is the second time now that they have gone physical now with our players. That's how it started, and that's how it gets out of control."
The MLS is expected to hand out discipline to those involved in the brawl. NYCFC is two points behind Toronto in the standings, with both teams looking to secure a playoff berth.
* The brawl broke out at the final whistle of the match.
* It is unclear what specifically sparked the altercation.
* Toronto coach John Herdman was seen pointing and pushing NYCFC's Strahinja Tanasijević.
* Nick Cushing, the head coach of NYCFC, was accused of punching a Toronto player.
* Herdman claimed that the allegations against Cushing came from a report in the dressing room at halftime.
* Both Herdman and Cushing denied involvement in physical altercations.
* The altercation involved players from both teams, as well as coaching staff.
* Jonathan Osorio, the captain of Toronto, alluded to prior tension between the two teams.
* The MLS will be reviewing the incident and issuing discipline.
