MLS fines Messi for grabbing coach’s neck

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount by Major League Soccer after grabbing the neck of a New York City assistant coach at the end of Saturday’s game.

The Argentine World Cup winner was caught on camera in a confrontation with NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy after the final whistle.

Messi twice put his hands on the back of Ballouchy’s neck during the arguments.

MLS said in a statement that their disciplinary committee had ruled that he had violated the league’s “Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy”.

Messi had just set up a stoppage-time equaliser for team-mate Telasco Segovia in the 2-2 draw at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in the season opener.

Messi’s team-mate Uruguayan Luis Suarez also received a similar fine for putting his hands on the back of the neck of NYFC defender Birk Risa at half-time.

(AFP)