Fire-Sounders Fallout: Eddie Johnson Fined For ‘Inappropriate Gesture’ Toward Fans

“I sincerely apologize to the Chicago fans, my teammates, MLS, and the Sounders’ supporters for my actions and poor judgment I used on Saturday,” Johnson said in a statement released by the team. “It was a very emotional game and I let my emotions get the best of me. That is not acceptable and I take full responsibility for my actions. I am truly sorry this took attention away from the success of our team after a great win in Chicago.”

In post-game comments to the press, Anibaba sounded unaware that he had received a red card.

“I went in to make a play on the ball and it turned into a scuffle,” Anibaba said on Saturday. “It was a hard fought match and emotions run high, but there was nothing malicious on either end. In the heat of the moment things are said, but again, it was not malicious – it was just two teams competing hard.”