New York City FC head coach Nick Cushing has “categorically” denied an allegation that he punched a Toronto FC player at halftime of a game in March.
NYCFC and TFC played out a contentious match on Saturday night, with players and coaches alike involved in a heated on-field scuffle after the game at BMO Field.
After the match, which NYCFC won 3-2, TFC head coach John Herdman and captain Jonathan Osorio said the altercation was partially due to an incident that had taken place two months earlier.
“Their coach talks and says things to certain players that crosses the line,” Osorio said in a post-game press conference. “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.”
Herdman was later asked directly about Cushing’s behavior during the March 16 match at Yankee Stadium.
“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,” Herdman said.
Neither Herdman nor Osorio mentioned the TFC player in question, but the only 19-year-old on the team’s senior roster is Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty.
Altercation after the final whistle between Toronto FC and NYCFC.
Sean Johnson and Strahinja Tanasijević in the middle of it. pic.twitter.com/qsIRc9Oqhb
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) May 12, 2024
On Monday, Cushing spoke to the press and denied the charges made by Toronto’s coach and captain.
“I categorically deny any involvement or any incident where I have punched or assaulted any Toronto FC player or staff,” Cushing said.
“I am shocked, personally. I’m upset by the allegation.”
Cushing added that he was not aware of the allegation until after TFC’s post-game press conference on Saturday.
The MLS Disciplinary Committee is set to examine footage of the most recent altercation between NYCFC and TFC, and will hand out any punishment later this week.
No punishments were given after the March game at Yankee Stadium.
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