CLEARWATER BEACH, Fla. — The MLS disciplinary committee suspended D.C. United Coach Ben Olsen for the season opener for berating the referee after the RFK Stadium’s farewell match last fall. He was also fined an undisclosed amount.
The league took the action in the days after the Oct. 22 match against the New York Red Bulls but never announced the penalties publicly. During an interview with the Insider on Tuesday, Olsen mentioned in passing that he would not be on the sideline for the March 3 match at Orlando City.
He admitted directing unsavory language at referee Dave Gantar on the field after the final whistle and in the tunnel leading to the locker rooms following the 2-1 defeat in the final MLS game at RFK.