Simulation/Embellishment

MLS Communications

COMPETITION GUIDELINES: SIMULATION/EMBELLISHMENT
- Defined as:
  - Simulation: An attempt to deceive the referee by falsifying contact
  - Embellishment: An attempt to make contact appear more severe than actual contact made and/or a prolonged reaction.
- Threshold to Act:
  - All five (5) members of the Committee must be unanimous that the incident in question is a clear and obvious act of simulation/embellishment and the incident in question was not part of an on-field review.
- Discipline
  - Fine; and/or
  - Suspension: Minimum of a one (1) match suspension for:
    - A second yellow card is issued to the opponent
    - A yellow card issued to the opponent triggers a suspension for yellow card accumulation
- Exceptions Under Video Review: When Video Review is non-operational, or the VAR Protocol is misapplied, supplemental discipline can be applied in the form of a:
  - Fine; and/or
  - Suspension: Minimum of a one (1) match suspension for:
    - a penalty kick awarded to the opponent.
    - a red card is issued to the opponent.
    - a second yellow card is issued to the opponent.
    - a yellow card issued to the opponent triggers a suspension for yellow card accumulation

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