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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>Portland Thorns lose $10,000 bond</li><li>Lose right to appeal suspensions until 2025</li><li>But Smith available to play next game</li></ul>

Portland Thorns punished for 'frivolous' appeal against Sophia Smith's red card in NWSL win over North Carolina Courage - but USWNT star manages to escape extended ban

Friendlies

England

Smith was handed her <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/video-bizarre-red-card-uswnt-star-sophia-smith-portland-thorns-forward-second-yellow-nwsl-hiding-ball-under-seat/blt8b76b8b7cd6742b4#cs37413d58fc149dc3" target="_blank">marching orders in bizarre circumstances</a> after being handed a second yellow card for time-wasting. The USWNT star, who had been substituted, cheekily hid the ball underneath her seat on the bench, in a move that did not impress the match referee. Portland Thorns subsequently appealed the red card but an independent review panel has now denied the appeal and claimed it to be "frivolous."

WHAT HAPPENED?

As a result of the decision, Portland Thorns forfeit a $10,000 bond, which teams are obliged to post when making an appeal, and they have also been banned from appealing any further suspensions until the end of the 2025 season. The NWSL also doubled Smith’s one-match suspension and increased her fine. However, the NWSL Players Association subsequently intervened to appeal that decision and the NWSL Review Committee rescinded the additional suspension and fine. The end result means Smith is available to play in Portland Thorns' next game as she has already served her initial one-game ban.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

A statement read: "The Independent Review Panel unanimously (i) denied the appeal, and (ii) determined the appeal was frivolous. As a result, per Section 13.3 of the NWSL Operations Manual, the following disciplinary actions will apply:<ul><li>Portland will forfeit its bond;</li><li>Portland loses the right to appeal any other decisions for the remainder of the current season and the following season (including playoffs for both season);</li><li>The suspension and fine related to the appeal are doubled, therefore, Smith is issued a two-game suspension and an increased fine.</li></ul>"Per the NWSLPA's rights in the collective bargaining agreement to appeal discipline for on-field conduct, the NWSLPA appealed the doubling of the player discipline to the NWSL Review Committee. The NWSL Review Committee unanimously upheld the NWSLPA appeal resulting in the league rescinding the additional one game suspension and associated incremental fine for Smith."The original one game suspension and fine for a second yellow card to Smith was served during Portland's June 16 match against Seattle Reign. Portland's loss of its $10,000 bond and right to appeal for the 2024 and 2025 seasons will stand."

WHAT THE NWSL SAID

This season, at the age of just 23, Sophia Smith has become only the third player to record 15 or more goal contributions in three different regular seasons after Sam Kerr and Lynn Williams.<div></div>

DID YOU KNOW?

Smith had to sit out Portland Thorns' 0-0 draw with Seattle Reign last time out due to her ban but will be available for Sunday's NWSL clash against the Kansas City Current.

WHAT NEXT FOR SMITH

Portland Thorns punished for 'frivolous' appeal against Sophia Smith's red card in NWSL win over North Carolina Courage - but USWNT star manages to escape extended ban | Goal.com

Portland Thorns have been hit with further punishment after appealing Sophia Smith&apos;s red card against the North Carolina Courage.

Portland Thorns punished for &apos;frivolous&apos; appeal against Sophia Smith&apos;s red card in NWSL win over North Carolina Courage - but USWNT star manages to escape extended ban