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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>MLSPA fires back at MLS</li><li>Miazga suspended 3 matches</li><li>Claims of 'falsehoods' &amp; 'false narratives'</li></ul>

'Falsehoods' and 'false narratives' - MLS Players Association fires back at league's findings of investigation and suspension of FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga

The official social media account of the MLS Players' Association posted a statement on X, formerly Twitter, stating their distaste with the investigation. The statement argues that the Professional Soccer Referees Association report regarding Miazga's approach to the referees postgame contained 'falsehoods' while pushing forth a 'false public narrative' that they believe 'directly' influenced the investigation. Additionally, the MLSPA argues that the investigation failed to take video footage of the incident into account, saying that it was not 'appropriately' factored into the decision making process.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"The MLS Players Association condemns the behavior of the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) and certain PSRA members with regard to the November 4 incident at Red Bull Arena involving FC Cincinnati player Matt Miazga. Both the match report approved by the officials and the statements released by the PSRA regarding the incident contained material falsehoods. "Since then, the PSRA has not only failed to correct these falsehoods, its President has continued to repeat them publicly. To respect the integrity of the disciplinary process, the MLSPA refrained from public comment until the process was complete. The PSRA, on the other hand, created and repeatedly reinforced a false public narrative that appears to have directly influenced that process. Video footage made available and reviewed during the disciplinary process confirms that statements made by the referees and the PSRA were false. Unfortunately, that evidence does not appear to have been appropriately factored into MLS's decision. In the meantime, no discipline has been announced for the referees for submitting a match report with multiple false statements and no discipline has been announced to address the stadium security breakdown that allowed the incident to occur in the first place. "Further, MLS has not publicly condemned the PSRA for their irresponsible actions and false statements. Players in MLS are held publicly accountable for their actions. It is high time that the same standard be applied to officials. Refereeing is a difficult job. Mistakes on the field happen and the game moves on. Matters of integrity, however, are rightfully taken much more seriously. The behavior of the referees and the PSRA in this case did not demonstrate a level of integrity commensurate with a league of MLS's stature."

WHAT MLSPA SAID

Miazga was handed a handed a three-match suspension by MLS Wednesday evening, just over 72 hours to kickoff at TQL Stadium when FC Cincy host the Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference finals of the MLS Playoffs. The suspension was labeled due to 'misconduct' with the league mandating that he "undergo a behavioral assessment through the Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health (SABH) Program."The MLSPA disagrees with the findings and the actions of the league, believing that Miazga has been painted in the wrong by both the referees on-site and their report of the happenings.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Conferenc finals are this Saturday, where the East sees Cincy and the Columbus Crew pitted against each other in the Hell is Real derby, while the West sports LAFC and the Houston Dynamo. The California-based side are looking to go back-to-back with MLS Cups, while Cincy look for their first, and the Dynamo for their third.. For the Crew, they're looking to relive the 2021 campaign, where they hoisted the trophy.

WHAT NEXT FOR MLS?

'Falsehoods' and 'false narratives' - MLS Players Association fires back at league's findings of investigation and suspension of FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga | Goal.com Australia

The MLSPA released a statement Thursday, claiming wrongdoings by the PRSA into the league&apos;s investigation and suspension of Matt Miazga.

&apos;Falsehoods&apos; and &apos;false narratives&apos; - MLS Players Association fires back at league&apos;s findings of investigation and suspension of FC Cincinnati defender Matt Miazga