The Galaxy's Chris Birchall was suspended by Major League Soccer for two games and fined $500 for a challenge that "showed utter disregard for his opponent's safety" in the second minute of stoppage time of Los Angeles' 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire last Saturday.
Chicago forward Diego Chaves was suspended a game and fined $250 for a reckless challenge a minute earlier. He'll sit out the Fire's game against the Portland Timbers on Saturday night.
Birchall will miss games on Wednesday, July 20 (Columbus), and Saturday, July 30 (at Vancouver).
MLS also fined San Jose coach Frank Yallop $500 on top of his automatic one-game ban and $500 fine for getting sent off in last Saturday's game against Philadelphia. He has to miss July 16 against Columbus.
