D.C. United has submitted a requested video of its U.S. Open Cup victory over the Chicago Fire to both the U.S. Soccer Federation and Major League Soccer after multiple incidents during the match involving Fire midfielder Cuauhtémoc Blanco, including an alleged head-butt of a member of United’s game-day operations staff.
Following his ejection in extra time during United’s 2-1 win on Tuesday, Blanco, 35, allegedly made physical contact with the United employee after being requested to leave the Chicago bench, according to sources.
The altercation that led to Blanco’s ejection began when he tried to punch a ball away from D.C. midfielder Clyde Simms. Blanco also allegedly attempted to gouge Simms’ eye. United midfielder March Burch then shoved Blanco to the ground. Burch and Blanco both received red cards.
United’s video includes footage of all of the incidents, according to a source.
Blanco is Chicago’s highest-paid player and will earn nearly $2.7 million this season. The Mexican international has six yellow yards in 28 league matches since joining Major League Soccer last summer.
“He’s a good player, but when he does stuff like that — I’ve lost respect for him as a player and as a person,” said Simms, displaying a cut below his right eye Wednesday. “I think that shouldn’t be part of the game at all. It’s frustrating to watch. Even some of his teammates were coming up to me in the game and apologizing for his actions.”
A U.S. Soccer spokesman said the federation’s U.S. Open Cup disciplinary committee has not yet scheduled a meeting to discuss Blanco’s situation.
