Major League Soccer Bans Top Goal-Scorer Cristian Arango for Four Matches for Harassment

Major League Soccer’s leading scorer, Cristian Arango of Real Salt Lake, has been handed a four-game suspension by the league for breaching the MLS Anti-Harassment Policy. The suspension was announced on Monday, affecting both his team and the league’s broader competitive landscape.

The 29-year-old Colombian forward will miss crucial upcoming fixtures, including MLS matches against Los Angeles FC on Wednesday and Colorado on Saturday. Additionally, Arango will be absent from the MLS All-Star Game on July 24 and Real Salt Lake’s first Leagues Cup match against Atlas on August 1.

Arango has been in stellar form this season, netting 17 goals and providing 11 assists in 23 matches, which has placed him at the top of the scoring charts. His performance has been instrumental in Real Salt Lake’s success, as the team currently shares the top spot in the Western Conference with LAFC and the Galaxy, all tied at 43 points.

In 2021, Arango was named the MLS Newcomer of the Year after scoring 14 goals in 17 matches for the Los Angeles Galaxy, underscoring his impact and importance in the league.

The suspension comes as a significant setback for Real Salt Lake, which will need to navigate the next few matches without their star forward. The team will have to adapt quickly to maintain their position in the standings and continue their push for success in both MLS and the Leagues Cup.

Arango’s absence will be felt not only by his team but also by fans who have admired his prolific scoring ability. The league’s decision to enforce its Anti-Harassment Policy underscores its commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all players and staff.