Jozy Altidore will miss the first leg of Toronto FC’s Eastern Conference against the Columbus Crew after an independent panel rejected the club’s red card suspension appeal.
Coach Greg Vanney announced the decision on Wednesday. Major League Soccer has yet to confirm the panel’s decision.
“(Altidore’s) frustrated, but he’s going about his business,” Vanney said.
The striker received a straight red during half time of the second leg of the East semifinal against New York Red Bulls on Nov. 5, after he was involved in a scuffle with midfielder Sacha Kljestan.
At the time, Kljestan said Altidore shoved him into the wall.