Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera received a straight red card during the team’s playoff match against the Seattle Sounders on Sunday, leading to a dramatic 7-6 loss in a penalty shootout that ended the Dynamo’s season.
In the second game of a three-game series, with the Dynamo already trailing after losing the first game, Herrera was shown a yellow card in the 65th minute for a foul. Disagreeing with the referee’s decision, Herrera expressed his frustration before ultimately spitting at the official as he walked past him.
The incident was reviewed by VAR, confirming that Herrera had indeed spat at the referee. As a result, Herrera was handed a straight red card, forcing him to leave the game and ending his season prematurely.
Facing the end of the 2024 season, Herrera will likely face disciplinary action at the start of the 2025 season. A similar incident occurred in MLS in October involving Real Salt Lake’s Brayan Vera, who received a fine and a suspension for spitting at an opponent.
If MLS follows a similar disciplinary path with Herrera, he could face a three-game suspension next season, regardless of his team status. Herrera’s contract with the Dynamo is set to expire at the end of 2024, with the team holding an option on him for the 2025 season.