Update: G. Farfan Suspended Additional Two Matches for Riley Tackle

Those waiting for action concerning Philadelphia Union defender Gabriel Farfan's terrible tackle on Chivas USA defender James Riley last week finally got word from Major League Soccer a short time ago. Farfan has been suspended an additional two games beyond the standard one-match suspension for a red card, and fined, although the figure was not revealed.

I'm satisfied with the three-game ban, and although it took longer than I expected, I'm glad MLS did the right thing in punishing Farfan for his actions. Typically, I'm kind of a no-harm-no-foul person, but Farfan's tackle and subsequent actions, including fouling Miller Bolanos just prior to the tackle, head-butting Ryan Smith after the tackle, and refusing to initially leave the field after the red card, made a suspension a no-brainer.

And as I wrote earlier today before the announcement of the suspension, I think this suspension was necessary to discourage players from making such vicious tackles. Although Riley wasn't hurt, his shinguard was cracked in half on the play, and letting Farfan off the hook would send a poor message to other players, in my opinion. And remember, this doesn't help Chivas at all - it's for the direct benefit of the Union's upcoming opponents, but also for trying to implement a safer culture in the league.

So, with this action, I rescind my previous criticism against the league. It was clear-cut, and levied a fair punishment to Farfan.

What do you think? Leave a comment below!