Inter Miami have received a major blow ahead of their return home to host the New England Revolution on Saturday, with defensive midfielder Yannick Bright 's initial one-game suspension having now been expanded upon by the MLS.
The 24 year old italian was sent off in the 87th minute of Miami's 3-2 win at the Colorado Rapids on April 18, having been found in violation of the MLS's Non-Discrimination Policy.
More specifically, the PRO told ESPN that Bright was given his marching orders "for offensive, insulting, abusive language heard by the referee."
Having missed Miami's win at Real Salt Lake, Bright will now also miss their next game against the New England Revolution -Credit:Tanner Pearson/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images
As a result of his red card, Bright was unavailable for selection for Miami's trip to Real Salt Lake . The game wound up being decided by two excellent goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Luis Suarez , sealing a second win in as many games since Guillermo Hoyos took over on an interim basis as head coach following Javier Mascherano 's abrupt exit for "personal reasons" just seven games into Miami's title defense.
However, Bright's initial one-game ban has now been extended to two games, with the MLS adding that "Bright is also participating in and must complete a restorative practice program.
"In making decisions under this Policy, MLS considers many factors, including the player's immediate acceptance of responsibility for harm caused by the misconduct, eagerness to begin a process to repair it, and cooperation with the League's review."
This will be disappointing for the Herons as they return to Florida still in search of their first win at the recently opened NU Stadium - the franchise's first purpose-built permanent home. Prior to their most recent away games, they drew 2-2 against both Austin FC and the New York Red Bulls in their first games at the 26,700-seater stadium.
Bright has been a regular starter this season, making nine appearances across all competitions alongside Argentine international De Paul at the heart of Miami's midfield, racking up his sole assist of the year against Colorado.
In Bright's absence, Hoyos switched to a 5-3-2 formation, with Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia sitting behind De Paul, with Lionel Messi and German Berterame up front.
Miami's win in Utah left them second in the Eastern Conference with 18 points, just one behind Nashville SC , although the leaders have a game in hand. Coincidentally, the Tennesseean side knocked Miami out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup back in March in the Round of 16, prematurely knocking the Herons out of the competition they had put so much stock in competing for again this season.
"One of the first things that they said to me when I signed was the Champions Cup is what we're after. And that's one of the trophies that they haven't won yet. And we're looking forward to that," goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair said on the ' Money Buys Happiness ' podcast in January after joining Miami from Minnesota United .
