Bright to miss Inter Miami vs. New England game after MLS extends suspension
Inter Miami midfielder Yannick Bright, who missed Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Real Salt Lake while serving a red card suspension, will also have to sit out Saturday’s home game against New England after Major League Soccer extended his suspension for a second match following a review.
Bright was sent off with a red card in the 87th minute of Miami’s 3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids last Saturday “for offensive, insulting abusive language heard by the referee,” including a racial slur, according to the Professional Referee Organization that oversees MLS officiating. The phrase he used is a derogatory slang term used to describe someone deemed weak and cowardly.
MLS then conducted a further review and suspended Bright “for violating the league’s Non-Discrimination Policy.”
The MLS announcement on Thursday added that Bright is participating in, and must complete, a restorative practice program.
In 2024, MLS and the MLS Players Association launched a Non-Discrimination Policy that is centered on restorative practices, prioritizing education, prevention, training and cultural awareness.
“In making decisions under this policy, MLS considers many factors, including the player’s immediate acceptance of responsibility for harm caused by the misconduct, eagerness to begin a process to repair it, and cooperation with the League’s review,” the league said in its report.
Bright, 24, is a native of Italy and was a three-time All-American and two-time conference Scholar Athlete of the Year at the University of New Hampshire. He graduated Cum Laude with a finance degree and Inter Miami selected him with the No. 15 pick in the 2024 MLS Draft. He is one of the most respected players on the team and among the most active in community service and outreach.