If you missed this weekend's match between the New York Red Bulls and the San Jose Earthquakes, you missed one of the more controversial moments so far this season. Shortly before halftime, during a San Jose corner kick, Rafa Marquez wrapped his arms around San Jose's Shea Salinas and wrestled him to the ground in the penalty box. He fell on him, and then provided a not-so-accidental boot to Salinas' head as well. No foul of any kind was given on the play.
According to MLSSoccer.com, Salinas broke his left clavicle in four places. He'll have surgery later this week to repair it, which will include a plate and screws. Doctors say he'll miss six to eight weeks of action. According to the MLS article, Salinas has said he forgives Marquez, but wasn't aware of the kick to the head until he saw replays Tuesday morning. Salinas also said that Marquez was doing the same thing on the first two Quakes corner kicks, and that they had complained to the officials about it, but to no avail.
There's been no word of what, if any, punishment will given to Marquez by the league. MLS twitter and Facebook circles have been alive about the topic, and I've read suggestions ranging from 3-10 games, if it's treated like a Mullan incident from last year. However, Mullan doesn't have the disciplinary history with MLS that Rafa Marquez does, so it will be interesting to see if that figures into a punishment at all.
Personally, I'd like to wish Salinas well and hope he gets back on the pitch as soon as possible. Stay tuned to MLSSoccer.com for updates.
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