Colorado Rapids midfielder Jermaine Jones, who was suspended six games for making contact with referee Mark Geiger during an October playoff game, has admitted the incident was a "mistake," but has called the punishment excessive.
Jones touched Geiger late in a New England playoff game after an uncalled penalty late in the game. Jones put both of his hands on the referee, earning a red card, and then pulled Geiger's shoulder.
"It was my mistake that I go to the referee and touch him. It's not allowed," Jones said.
The punishment, which Jones calls excessive, cost him a chance to possibly play in Germany or China this season.