Altidore ejection ruling stands
•We’ ll never know if Jozy Altidore got what he deserved. Or, if justice was served.
Just like we’ll never know if Sacha Kljestan or a group of Red Bull players instigated the brouhaha at BMO Field amid what became one of the ugliest conference semifinals in MLS playoff history.
What we do know, though, is TFC didn’t — or couldn’t — provide enough evidence to overturn referee Chris Penso’s decision to eject Altidore after the now infamous Tussle in the Tunnel.
The Reds couldn’t prove Altidore didn’t throw a punch before all hell broke loose at BMO Field.
It’ s likely whyTFC wouldn’t release any of the spotty footage when Postmedia requested it.
They didn’t have what they needed: Altidore being accosted or swarmed or whatever the allegations were against a New York side that had no business invading TFC’s space.
“The burden of proof was on us,” coach Greg Vanney said.
In the end, TFC failed to persuade an independent, three-person panel that officials made an error.
Instead, Tor ont oF C should demand and expect more from a group of players who completely lost the plot in the biggest MLS fixture they’d appeared in since last December.
Altidore didn’t need to get in Tyler Adams’ face that night. He didn’t need to engage Kljestan before halftime. Likewise, Sebastian Giovinco didn’t need to complain whenever he was touched.
Now both will miss next Tuesday’s pivotal playoff match at Columbus’ MAPFRE Stadium.
Yet, one could argue Toronto FC’s fortunate after Victor Vazquez escaped punishment. The normally level- headed Vazquez got angry with Penso after being denied what should have been a seriesclinching goal. The Spaniard put a finger to Penso’s face — a no-no during Major League Soccer’s regular season.
But Vazquez appears to have escaped punishment, leaving Toronto FC with at least one key attacking piece to concern Columbus next week.
THE BURDEN OF PROOF WAS ON US.