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Red Bulls Rafa Marquez Suspended Three Games For Kick

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Red Bulls defender Rafa Marquez was suspended for three games and San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Marvin Chavez for one game for separate actions during the match on Saturday.

The league announced the suspensions Thursday, and each player was fined an undisclosed amount.

Marquez tackled, fell on and kicked his opponent in the 42nd minute of the match against the Earthquakes. The MLS Disciplinary Committee viewed Marquez's actions as "violent conduct that demonstrated blatant disregard for the safety of his opponent."

The opposing Earthquakes player, Shea Salinas, suffered a broken collarbone as a result.

Salinas takes boot from Marquez by Major League Soccer on YouTube

His suspension begins Sunday when the Red Bulls play D.C. United at RFK Stadium. He'll also miss games against New England Revolution on April 28 and the LA Galaxy on May 5.

In an official statement, Red Bulls officials stated "The New York Red Bulls fully support MLS' Disciplinary Committee and its review process. We accept the league's decision. Rafa is an important player for us, and we are looking forward to him being available for selection after his suspension ends."

Chavez committed a reckless challenge in the 52nd minute and will miss the game Saturday against Real Salt Lake.

(TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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