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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>Miazga suspended by MLS for 3 games</li><li>FCC eliminated from playoffs without him</li><li>Defender responds over 'unfitting' punishment</li></ul>

'The punishment didn't fit' - USMNT star Matt Miazga responds to controversial MLS suspension after FC Cincinnati defender sanctioned for storming referees' room

Speaking to media on Tuesday, the FC Cincinnati central defender claimed he thought MLS's punishment was unjust, but understood that his actions were inappropriate and that he let his team down. On November 4, Miazga confronted a referee postgame in the tunnel - and reports have been scattered since, but as a result of his actions, he was suspended for three games ahead of the Eastern Conference semifinals last weekend. Cincy fell to the Columbus Crew in extra-time, 3-2.

WHAT HAPPENED?

"I want to take responsibility for what happened. The intentions of what happened, my intentions didn't play out to what has actually happened. I take full responsibility... I felt the punishment didn't fit what had happened, but you know, I accept it and we got to move forward now.""It was frustrating because you've been an in-form player all year and then all of a sudden, one of the most important games of the year you can't play. So that was frustrating, but I had confidence in my team that they can get the job done."Despite crashing out of the playoffs in harsh fashion, the USMNT defender has optimism for 2024: "We're so close and it's a learning experience obviously for everyone involved, especially me as well. So, now there's that extra hunger for next year and extra motivation and, you know, we're a real team so we're excited for the challenges ahead."

WHAT MIAZGA SAID

Initial reports claimed that Miazga was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/matt-miazga-removed-officials-fc-cincinnati-mls-playoff-victory-new-york-red-bulls/bltdf837c100c850356" target="_blank">'forcibly removed' from the official's room </a>following their November 4 victory over the New York Red Bulls, but as more news surrounding the incident came out, the official's report was described as<a href="https://theathletic.com/5040843/2023/11/07/matt-miazga-referees-locker-room-mls/" target="_blank"> 'exaggerated' by The Athletic.</a> Fast forward nearly three weeks and MLS's investigation into the incident <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/usmnt-matt-miazga-banned-fc-cincinnati-mls-suspension/blt758e7e563947d3b1" target="_blank">resulted in suspension</a> - 72 hours prior to kickoff in their most important playoff match of the year.Following the announcement of his removal from their remaining matches on the calendar, the MLS Players Association released a statement claiming that the investigation contained <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/falsehoods-and-false-narratives-mls-players-association-fires-back-at-league-s-findings-of-investigation-and-suspension-of-fc-cincinnati-defender-matt-miazga/blta74137e111733163" target="_blank">'falsehoods' and 'false narratives' to paint the MLS Defender of the Year in the wrong.</a>Now, following Cincy's removal from the playoffs, Miazga has taken responsibility for his actions, but admits his 'frustration' over the league's findings.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

He will be suspended for two matches to begin the 2024 MLS season, but the dates for those matches will not be announced until next year. Until then, it will be a massive 'what if' for the defender, knowing that his side conceded three goals in a conference final without him.

WHAT NEXT FOR MIAZGA?

'The punishment didn't fit' - USMNT star Matt Miazga responds to controversial MLS suspension after FC Cincinnati defender sanctioned for storming referees' room | Goal.com

USMNT defender Matt Miazga has accepted his actions were inappropriate, but believes MLS&apos;s punishment was harsh regarding his recent suspension.

&apos;The punishment didn&apos;t fit&apos; - USMNT star Matt Miazga responds to controversial MLS suspension after FC Cincinnati defender sanctioned for storming referees&apos; room