As expected.... UPDATE:
CTV.ca | U20 Chile player banned for misconduct in Toronto Quote:
The world governing body of soccer has banned a Chilean player for nine months over his behaviour towards officials at a game in Toronto last month that later erupted into a brawl.
Jaime Grondona was on the bench against Argentina but was punished by FIFA's disciplinary committee for "two separate cases of assaulting match officials" after a semifinal loss to Argentina on July 19 at the U20 World Cup tournament.
Grondona was also fined 7,000 Swiss francs (C$6,180), while the Chilean soccer association was fined 15,000 Swiss francs (C$13,250) for "team misconduct" for the "aggressive actions" by players and officials at the end of the match.
Following the bitter 3-0 loss, irate Chilean players and team officials surrounded the referees. The referee and his assistants eventually left the stadium with a police escort, dodging debris thrown from the stands.
The Chilean players then brawled with Toronto police and security guards at the team bus outside BMO Field. A female officer was punched in the face, while other constables were spat upon and even kicked in the groin.
During the melee, players dismantled armrests and footrests from their team's bus seats, smashed the vehicle's windows and threw objects at officers.
The players were detained but no charges were laid.
The confrontation became an international incident, with Chilean President Michelle Bachelet saying police used "unjustified aggression."
After an investigation by Toronto police, Chief Bill Blair concluded his officers showed "an immense amount of restraint" and acted appropriately towards the aggressive players.
FIFA said its responsibility only covered the on-field actions of the team, adding the local organizing committee and police were responsible for everything else that ensued.
FIFA also banned Nigeria's under-20 coach Ladan Bosso for four months for "offensive behaviour" following his team's quarterfinal defeat to Chile after extra time in Montreal four days before the incident in Toronto.
Bosso was also fined 11,000 Swiss francs (C$9,715) for suggesting that racism influenced the referee's decisions during the July 15 match.
"What happened on the pitch, the officiating, I think FIFA has a long way to go to beat racism, because that official showed racism," Bosso said at the time.
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Sorry, but I think perhaps the President should apologize to the TO police force for such a quick judgement call on their actions, when it is clear their players were at fault long before the police arrived.
And spitting on, kicking in the groin, punching a female officer, etc? I'd friggin taser and mace their asses too.... let alone charge them.
They got off easy, esspecially for causing such an international stink and putting all the blame squarely on those trying to keep the peace.