BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (Aug. 20, 2019) – As a result of the Chicago Fire’s appeal, an Independent Review Panel, consisting of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization, has unanimously rescinded the one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card midfielder Nicolás Gaitán received in the 45+ minute of Chicago’s match against the Philadelphia Union on Aug. 17. Gaitán is now eligible to play in the Fire’s next regular season game on Aug. 24 against the New England Revolution.
Each club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the MLS Cup Playoffs. Since Chicago’s appeal was successful, the club maintains its two unsuccessful appeals for any future red cards in the 2019 season.
