Confirming what was first reported yesterday by Steven Goff of the Washington Post, Major League Soccer has suspended Colorado Rapids midfielder Brian Mullan 10 games and ordered him to pay a fine of $5,000 as discipline for the tackle that broke Seattle Sounders winger Steve Zakuani's right leg. The suspension is equal to the longest in MLS history, equaled only by that served by former Houston Dynamo defender Ricardo Clark for kicking Carlos Ruize while the then FC Dallas striker was on the ground. As Clark's foul took place during a dead-ball situation, Mullan's suspension would be the longest in league history for a foul committed during the run of play.
Zakuani had successful surgery to repair the damage received from the tackle on April 24th and though doctors are optimistic about his recovery he is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Mullan has not trained with the team since the incident and has been rumored to be seeking counseling.
As a general matter of union procedure, Mullan is expected to appeal the suspension.