Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley, New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen, both clubs and several players were issued fines by Major League Soccer’s Disciplinary Committee after the clubs engaged in a fracas during last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
At the time of the incident, the match was scoreless.
What Sparked the Mass Confrontation Between Red Bulls and NYCFC?
Red Bull New York defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty and NYCFC forward Agustín Ojeda collided in the 23rd minute. Marshall-Rutty leaned in to say something to Ojeda, who remained on the ground.
Once Ojeda got to his feet, he leaned his head into Marshall-Rutty’s face before Marshall-Rutty responded by shoving him away before both teams began pushing, shoving and engaging with each other verbally.
MLS Explains Policy Violations
Major League Soccer issued the following statement:
“The MLS Disciplinary Committee has found Red Bull New York and New York City FC in violation of the Mass Confrontation Policy in the 23rd minute of their match on May 16th. Both clubs have violated the policy for the first time this season, and fines have been issued to both clubs, Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley, and New York City FC head coach Pascal Jansen.
Due to their roles in the mass confrontation, Red Bull New York defender Dylan Nealis, forwards Julian Hall and Jorge Ruvalcaba, and New York City FC defenders Thiago Martins and Kai Trewin, midfielder Maxi Moralez, and forwards Nicolás Fernández Mercau and Agustín Ojeda will be fined for inciting and/or escalating a mass confrontation.”
Red Bull New York will next face Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park on Saturday, May 23. It will be the final match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup break.
“We’re going to go to Kansas City ready to play that game like a final,” Bradley said. “Because it’s the final game for two months. There’s nothing to hold back, there’s nothing to save yourself for. So we’re gonna go there and be ready to lay it all out there.”
Following the break, the Red Bulls will resume MLS play on the road against the Philadelphia Union on July 22 at Subaru Park.
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