Jermaine Jones Suspended Six Games for Playoff Meltdown

Major League Soccer's Disciplinary Committee has announced a six game suspension for out of contract New England Revolution midfielder Jermaine Jones for his actions in stoppage time of the Revs' 2-1 playoff loss at D.C. United back in October.

Jones reacted to a non-call by referee Mark Geiger on a possible handball in the 92nd minute by charging Geiger and making contact with him. The MLS Player's Union appealed the suspension on December 8th per the release though it was upheld by commissioner Don Garber.

The suspension is not a surprise as six games is a standard suspension for referee assault/abuse. The suspension would also cover the United States' March World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala per U.S. Soccer Federation policy. If Jones switches leagues he is still required to serve the six-game ban per FIFA policy, which asks all federations to honor suspensions, according to the Washington Post's Steven Goff.

Two other high profile players have also been handed six-match bans by either MLS or the USSF. Fabian Espindola was banned for similar actions at the end of a 2014 playoff game. US and Seattle Sounder striker Clint Dempsey faces a lengthy ban in the US Open Cup for tearing a referee's notebook last summer. Dempsey was also suspended three MLS games for that action as well.

The suspension to Jones was expected but now that it's official we'll see if it affects his contract negotiations with either the Revolution, MLS or another league.