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In tonight’s match against D.C. United, Philadelphia Union midfielder Haris Medunjanin was pushed down from behind by Luciano Acosta. In one of the weirdest sequences (even for an MLS match), Acosta was shown a straight red card by referee Sorin Stoica - and then was allowed to play on.
The crowd was understandably upset and confused - how could a red card be rescinded?
The AR asked Medunjanin if Acosta had kicked him. Medunjanin could have said that he did or just feigned like he wasn’t sure. Instead, he did the right thing. He told the truth - that Acosta had in fact not kicked him. Sorin Stoica then took back the red and allowed Acosta to continue playing.
"I think you need to be honest, and I didn't feel a kick."
— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 25, 2017
Haris' sportsmanship resulted in the ref putting a red card back in his pocket. pic.twitter.com/BWraw6uow8
This is something that all soccer players young and old should be shown and can learn from. Do the right thing - and trash talk the New York Red Bulls at any opportunity. Super proud to have Medunjanin representing our city and club like this.