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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>Cincinnati advanced to knockout round on penalties</li><li>Miazga handed second yellow in shootout</li><li>USMNT star entered referee's locker room after match</li></ul>

Matt Miazga 'forcibly removed' from referee's locker room following FC Cincinnati's dramatic MLS playoff victory over New York Red Bulls

Major League Soccer

New York City FC

New York Red Bulls

The Professional Soccer Referees Association posted a <a href="https://twitter.com/PSRAofficials/status/1721935687622983704" target="_blank">statement</a> claiming that a player had gained unauthorized access to the officials' locker room and was "forcibly removed" by security.They said: "After the Nov 4th NYRB/FC Cincinnati match, a player gained unauthorized entry into the Officials’ locker room &amp; was forcibly removed by stadium security while acting in an aggressive &amp; hostile manner. No one's safety should ever be at risk &amp; we expect MLS to act accordingly."The Philadelphia Enquirer followed the PRSA statement with a <a href="https://x.com/thegoalkeeper/status/1721950774974951548?s=20" target="_blank">report that the individual was Cincy defender Miazga</a> . However, the <a href="https://x.com/PBrennanENQ/status/1721975257244791095?s=20" target="_blank">Cincinnati Enquirer</a> then claimed that stadium security was 'not involved at all' in the situation, and that the PRSA report was exaggerated.<a href="https://theathletic.com/5040843/2023/11/07/matt-miazga-referees-locker-room-mls/" target="_blank"> The Athletic </a>confirmed the report of exaggeration, revealing that a source on the incident said “the entire thing has been blown out of proportion.”MLS has begun an investigation of the incident, releasing a statement saying: “The safety of PRO officials must never be compromised and an investigation into this matter is being conducted.”

WHAT HAPPENED?

The USMNT defender was shown a yellow card during regulation of the match before receiving a second in the shootout; he scored his kick, and then, in the eyes of the official, appeared to mock the New York Red Bulls fans with heart gestures. He also blew a kiss to the crowd.Postgame, Miazga said: “I’m annoyed,” he told the <a href="https://www.cincinnati.com/restricted/?return=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cincinnati.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fsoccer%2Ffc-cincinnati%2F2023%2F11%2F05%2Fwhy-fc-cincinnatis-win-vs-new-york-red-bulls-was-bittersweet%2F71465748007%2F" target="_blank">Cincinnati Enquirer</a>. “The referee gave me a yellow card. For what? I went to my fans that I played for since I was 14 years old and gave them a heart. I gave them a heart and I was showing them my love. I get a yellow card for that? For what? And I have to take (that) and I’m suspended now. And after the game he gives me a yellow card because I asked ‘what the hell are you doing?’ Everyone’s yelling at the referee. Yeah, of course. I feel singled-out. I was speaking to (Rivas) the whole game normally. He’s talking to me nicely all game.”Miazga, per The Athletic report, went to speak with referee Victor Rivas about the yellow card postgame and was then removed from the situation by an FC Cincinnati staff-person, not stadium security.Head coach Pat Noonan said that Miazga 'knows better' and should not have put himself in that scenario postgame. “Matt’s suspended for the next game and that shouldn’t happen,” he said. “Matt knows better, we shouldn’t be missing him for the next round, as simple as that.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Miazga came through the academy at New York Red Bulls and grew up in New Jersey. There is, therefore, also a suggestion that he was merely paying homage to his hometown after scoring his penalty, but the gesture was not well received by the referee or the home fans.

DID YOU KNOW?

After advancing from Round One of the MLS playoffs after knocking out the New York Red Bulls, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and 2023 Supporters' Shield winners will host the winner of the best-of-three series between the New England Revolution and Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference semifinals.As things stand, the Union lead the series 1-0 and game two takes place Wednesday evening.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Matt Miazga 'forcibly removed' from referees locker room following FC Cincinnati's dramatic MLS playoff victory over New York Red Bulls | Goal.com UK

Matt Miazga was &quot;forcibly removed&quot; from the officials&apos; locker room after FC Cincinnati beat New York Red Bulls last weekend.

Matt Miazga &apos;forcibly removed&apos; from referee&apos;s locker room following FC Cincinnati&apos;s dramatic MLS playoff victory over New York Red Bulls