- NYCFC defeated Toronto 3-2 in MLS
- Herdman alleges Cushing “punched” player
- Alleged incident happened in March
WHAT HAPPENED?
Herdman has alleged that Cushing “punched” a 19-year-old Toronto player in the face in a press conference Saturday evening following NYCFC’s 3-2 victory over the Canadian club. The former Canada national team boss revealed that the incident occurred during halftime of the two teams’ March 13 clash, with the assault being a part of an “off-record report”.
Cushing has vehemently denied the allegations. The only 19-year-old on the roster in their March 13 clash vs NYCFC was youngster Jahkeele Marhsall-Rutty.
WHAT HERDMAN SAID
When asked about the incident, the TFC boss said: “That was the off-record report that came into the dressing room at halftime from a 19-year-old who said he got cornered and punched in the face.”
The TFC boss said he did not speak of the incident for nearly two months because “the cameras weren’t working in certain areas of the stadium,” in their first meeting of the season.
.jpg?resize=640%2C360&ssl=1)
THE BIGGER PICTURE
TFC Captain Jonathan Osorio doubled-down on the allegations Saturday evening as well, saying: “Their coach talks and says things to certain players that crosses the line. When we hear their coach and three players cornered a 19-year-old of ours by himself, that’s going to be a problem. We were just letting them know we didn’t forget about that.”
His comments arrived after the end of the match resulted in an on-field scuffle, with goalkeeper Sean Johnson being at the center of the fold.
Osorio claimed: “One of their players crossed the line and head-butted Johnson. I saw it. He head-butted him.”
WHAT CUSHING SAID
“I can honestly say as a head coach, I’ve done 348 games, I’ve never ever laid a finger on a player,” Cushing told reporters John Molinaro and Neil Davidson, via The Athletic.
On Monday, in a press conference, Cushing added that he is adamant the incident did not occur.
“I categorically deny any involvement or any incident where I have punched or assaulted any Toronto FC player or staff. I am shocked, personally. I’m upset by the allegation.”
