Bunbury Suspended, Fined for Play at SJ

Kansas City Wizards striker Teal Bunbury has been suspended one game and fined $250 by the Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee, the League announced Thursday. Bunbury will miss Saturday’s home game against New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. at CommunityAmerica Ballpark.

Bunbury was suspended and fined for an action that occurred during a free kick in the 47th minute of last Saturday’s match in San Jose. While maneuvering for position in the crowded penalty area, Bunbury raised his arms and caught Earthquakes defender Tim Ward in the head, knocking Ward to the ground amidst the scramble.  Match referee Jason Anno did not call a foul on the play, and Ward continued to play the duration of the game.

San Jose defender Jason Hernandez was later ejected in the 88th minute for violent conduct in an altercation with Bunbury, also away from the ball. Hernandez struck Bunbury in the throat with his right elbow while the Wizards had possession in their defensive half. Hernandez was suspended an additional one game and had his fine doubled, the League announced Wednesday. [Vote on whether the Hernandez elbow was dirtier than the Khano Smith two-footed challenge from 2008.]

Bunbury has two goals, both game winners, and an assist in 2010, and has started each of the Wizards last five games. He was drafted fourth overall as a Generation Adidas player in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and has appeared in 17 games for Kansas City this season.

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