July 24 – El Salvador defender Henry Romero has received a six-game ban after biting USA striker Jozy Altidore during their Gold Cup quarter-final.
Skipper Darwin Ceren will miss three games for a similar incident involving American defender Omar Gonzalez in the USA’s 2-0 win. CONCACAF says the bans for “anti-sporting behaviour” will only affect “official matches”.
Romero bit Jozy Altidore on the back of a shoulder and his chest ahead of a corner in the second half while Ceren bit Omar Gonzalez, also on the back of the shoulder.
Asked for his reaction, Altidore responded: “Look, it’s unfortunate. You don’t wish bad on people, but I’m sure [Romero] can tell you, it was a wild play. It’s something I’m sure he’s not proud of.”
El Salvador have already been eliminated from World Cup qualifying so the players are likely to miss the next Copa Centroamericana or qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup when they begin in 2019.
Romero plays his club football in El Salvador, while midfielder Ceren plays in MLS for the San Jose Earthquakes.
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