Major League Soccer has extended the suspension of New York Red Bulls defender Rafael Marquez to three games.
Marquez, the Mexican national team captain, was given a red card Sunday for firing a ball at the Los Angeles Galaxy's Landon Donovan following a playoff game.
The red card carried an automatic one-game suspension and $250 fine, and MLS's disciplinary added an additional two matches and $2,000. The committee said ''Marquez's conduct was violent and aggressive and put the league in disrepute.'' It said Marquez attempted to head butt and punch Adam Cristman, that he struck the Galaxy forward and Marquez simulated he had been struck in the face.
While the MLS Players Union appealed, MLS Commissioner Don Garber upheld the penalty Thursday. Any suspension not served this year would carry to next season.
In addition, fines of undisclosed amounts were assessed to Cristman and Red Bulls midfielder Teemu Tainio. The league cited them for improper conduct and escalating the incident.
Marquez was also left off Mexico's squad for a friendly match against Serbia next week. The 32-year-old Marquez, who led Mexico at the 2010 World Cup, joins Real Sociedad striker Carlos Vela in missing out on a place in the 20-man list.
