26 October 2023 , 22:58
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A 2024 US Open Cup Qualifying game in America was abandoned after one of the players openly threatened a referee with bodily harm.
In the 74th minute and the NY Renegades FC down 3-0, Jonathan Silveira was given a yellow card for letting his frustration show and tripping James Tristino of the New York Pancyprian-Freedoms. At this point, at least two other yellow cards had been given to Renegades players.
Renegades players then began crowding around the main referee. Yohance Alexander of the Renegades began arguing with the official from a distance and in the 76th minute, he was shown a red card.
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Instead of leaving the pitch in a timely manner, Alexander kept arguing with the referee and this is where accounts differ on what the midfielder actually told the official.
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Alexander allegedly shouted he was going to “f****** stab” the official if the former saw the latter on the street, according to witnesses close to the pitch. Meanwhile, others claim to have heard the 28-year-old say he was going to “f****** mess you up” to the referee.
Regardless of what was said, those at the match confirmed Alexander did curse at the referee, causing the match to be abandoned soon thereafter with Pancyprian being awarded the win and the Renegades eliminated from the competition.
What kind of punishment will Yohance Alexander receive? Share it in the comments below.
It remains to be seen what punishment will be levied to Alexander, the Renegades or both parties. However, because Alexander was assessed a red card against Pancyprian, he will miss one Open Cup match next season.
What’s more, it will be up to the commissioner, Yan Skwara, of the United Premier Soccer League to determine what course of action will need to be taken in light of this incident.
Considering the seriousness of what was said, it’s more than likely Alexander will be suspended and the Renegades will be fined an amount determined by the Adjudication and Discipline Panel alongside the commissioner.
While some might say football is life, it’s important to keep cooler heads, especially in moments when the match is not going a certain way.
After beating the Renegade, Pancyprian are awaiting whom they will face in the next round of the US Open Cup and will continue their league play against Hoboken FC 1912, Sunday, Oct. 29.