CONCACAF doles out suspensions following controversial Gold Cup semi

In what was an inevitable consequence of the aftermath of Wednesday night's Gold Cup semifinal between Mexico and Panama, CONCACAF has handed down two-match suspensions to Panama ‘keeper Jaime Penedo and attacker Luis Tejada.

The moment referee Mark Geiger reached for the red card in the 25th minute for a contentious elbow by Tejada on an attempted header, it was clear that regardless of the outcome of the match, the result would be mired by its dubious nature.

What followed only added to the controversy.

Once the dust had settled Wednesday night in Atlanta’s Georgia Dome and the last player had walked of the detritus-littered pitch, and the last supporter, whether a sheepishly pleased Mexican or a frustrated Panamanian had left the stadium, came the aftermath of a travesty of a match.

Penedo, who plays for the LA Galaxy, was suspended for pushing the assistant referee in the post-match melee, while Tejada was given one match for a red card offence, and a second for failing to leave the pitch.

CONCACAF also announced that United States captain Michael Bradley and Mexico manager Miguel Herrera had also been given undisclosed fines for media policy infractions.

Because of their suspensions, Penedo and Tejada will miss Saturday’s third-place match against the U.S., which if anything may pose a relief for the two. Few would blame Panama for not showing up for an attempt at a consolation prize sullied by Wednesday’s result.