MLS reveals findings of probe of altercations between NYCFC, Toronto FC

Major League Soccer has wrapped up its inquiry into accusations that New York City FC coach Nick Cushing allegedly hit a player on Toronto FC during a March match at Yankee Stadium between the two clubs, and the coach will not face any punishment from the league.

In its statement, MLS said that it had reviewed the accusations stemming from the March 16 game between the two Eastern Conference rivals at Yankee Stadium and the altercation after NYCFC had defeated Toronto 3-2 at BMO Field on May 11. 

“On March 16, there was an altercation between players and staff members of New York City Football Club and Toronto FC that started on the field and continued into the stadium tunnels. During the next meeting of the two clubs on May 11, the teams engaged in an altercation that led to several player and coach suspensions,” the league’s statement read. 

“The League conducted a review of both incidents and determined that players and staff from both teams involved in the altercation exhibited poor judgment and engaged in behavior contradictory to MLS values. While no additional suspensions or fines have been issued, head coaches and executives from both clubs were required to meet with MLS Commissioner Don Garber to discuss League expectations for behavior and conduct.”

Following the game in May, Toronto FC head coach John Herdman publicly claimed that Cushing had “cornered and punched in the face” a 19-year-old player on the Toronto roster. 

Forward Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty had allegedly been the player, and Herdman doubled down on his claims in the days following the May match. 

Cushing denied the accusations, though the MLS statement didn’t explicitly clear Cushing’s name, which has lead to displeasure inside NYCFC, a club source told The Post. 

While NYCFC, which currently sits third in the Eastern Conference standings, would like to move on from the incident, there is a concern that the allegations could follow Cushing, since MLS didn’t give the NYCFC coach a full exoneration. 

The club is “extremely confident” that Cushing did not punch the Toronto FC player, the source added. 

The incident allegedly took place in the tunnel at Yankee Stadium, and there were two cameras outside the locker room.

NYCFC is said to have sent the footage to the league in March.