Blanco Faces Punishment

Chicago Fire midfielder and Mexican legend Cuauhtemoc Blanco has been banned from U.S. Open Cup play for a minimum of two years and fined $7,500. The punishment was handed down on Wednesday by a United States Soccer Federation panel in response to Blanco's actions in an Open Cup quarterfinal match against D.C. United on July 8th.On that night, Blanco was sent off for getting into a physical altercation with United midfielder Clyde Simms in overtime, with Blanco allegedly taking a swipe at the player and possibly poking Simms in the eyes as well. D.C. teammate Marc Burch ran over to break the skirmish up, but also ended up getting physical with Blanco, resulting in Burch's ejection as well.

After being shown the red, Blanco went back to the Chicago bench, instead of the locker rooms as is required. At that point, a United employee who attempted to get Blanco to leave the field was allegedly the victim of a headbutt.

Shortly after the incident, Blanco issued this apology:

"I sincerely regret my inappropriate actions during the game. I disappointed my Fire teammates and coaches, D.C. United players and staff, Major League Soccer, the U.S. Soccer Federation and all our fans. I'm truly sorry."