Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan will serve a 10-game suspension for his tackle last Friday that broke the right leg of Seattle midfielder Steve Zakuani.
Mullan, a Regis Jesuit High School grad and an 11-year MLS veteran, got an automatic one-game suspension for the red card he drew on the play, and Thursday the league added another nine games. An MLS disciplinary committee rendered the decision.
It is the longest suspension given for an on-the-ball tackle in league history. Mullan also faces a $5,000 fine, as well as a $250 fine for receiving the red card.
The Rapids said Mullan will not appeal the decision. Mullan is eligible to return June 26 at Columbus.
“The committee felt the egregious nature of the foul and the severity of the injury warranted the discipline issued,” executive vice president of competition and game operations Nelson Rodriguez said in a statement. “The committee believes the challenge showed an utter disregard for Zakuani’s safety.”
Rapids managing director Jeff Plush released a statement disagreeing with the league’s decision, saying:
“We strongly disagree that Brian’s tackle, although admittedly harsh by any account, should be punished more severely than premeditated acts in our league’s history.”
Seattle general manager Adrian Hanauer also issued a statement.
“In situations such as this, the game is robbed of its brilliance,” Hanauer said. “Steve Zakuani is a young, talented and highly entertaining player. He will be missed, and we all wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“As a league, the commissioner has stated his intention to be more protective of dynamic, attacking players. Hopefully this suspension is a step in the right direction. However, the harsh reality of this situation is that no length of suspension will bring back Steve to action any faster.”
Mullan was visibly upset moments before the tackle, feeling he had been fouled by another player. Zakuani’s right tibia and fibula were broken by Mullan’s tackle.
The MLS statement read:
“In making this decision, the committee took several factors into account: the timing of the challenge, the location on the field, the moments immediately before the challenge where it is clear that Mullan is frustrated and the severity of Zakuani’s injury.”
But Plush defended Mullan, saying: “I am disappointed by the reaction of some segments of the soccer community that have attempted to portray Brian as anything other than a terrific person and competitor. The vitriol being displayed in social media, and the apparent sanctioning of it by those who could help in diffusing it, is counterproductive and only serves to undermine our league’s efforts to unify our soccer community.”
Mullan issued an apology through his representatives Wednesday.
“Before this season, MLS worked with all its players, coaches, referees and the two federations to develop, illustrate and discuss several key points of emphasis,” Rodri-guez said. “One of those points of emphasis is to protect the safety of the player on the ball and reduce or eliminate reckless and violent tackles. Mullan’s tackle is the type of play we need to eliminate from our game, and the level of discipline is consistent with our efforts to do so.”
John Meyer: 303-954-1616 or jmeyer@denverpost.com
