MLS Golden Boot leader Cristian Arango has been suspended for four matches for violating the competition's anti-harassment policy.
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- Arango to serve a four-match ban
- Was found guilty of violating anti-harassment policy
- Real Salt Lake accept the punishment
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WHAT HAPPENED?
The disciplinary action remains shrouded in mystery as both parties have refrained from disclosing what led to the suspension. Despite the lack of transparency, Real Salt Lake has expressed its full cooperation with the league's investigation into Arango and has accepted the decision.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arango will miss some pivotal games due to his suspension. These include regular-season away matches against Los Angeles FC and the Colorado Rapids over the next week. Additionally, he will be absent from the MLS All-Star Game on July 24 and Real Salt Lake's Leagues Cup home match against Atlas on August 1. Inter Miami's Lionel Messi is also a doubt for the MLS All-Star Game as the Argentine superstar sustained a foot injury during Argentina's Copa America final victory over Colombia on Sunday.
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WHAT REAL SALT LAKE SAID
Real Salt Lake have released an official statement, which reads: "Real Salt Lake's Chicho Arango has been suspended for three RSL matches and the upcoming All-Star game for a violation of the MLS Anti-Harrasment Policy. The club has fully co-operated with Major League Soccer's investigation and accepts the disciplinary decision."
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DID YOU KNOW?
Arango currently leads MLS' Golden Boot rankings with 17 goals. This achievement ties the Real Salt Lake single-season record set by Alvaro Saborio in 2012. This season, he ranks second on the team with 11 assists, underscoring his importance to the club's offensive strategy.