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(July 8, 2009/Switzerland)
The fallout from the United States' success at the Confederations Cup continued today, as FIFA announced the suspension of referee Martin Hansson after he failed to eject any Americans in the final.
"There were multiple slide tackles, several that even included actual contact," said FIFA disciplinary commission chairman Hugh Dallas.
"How many times did we see Brazilians pull out of tackles for fear of contact? How many times did we see Brazilians writhing on the ground in pain? It's not acceptable. Hansson had ample opportunities to eject an American. Heck, I think I even saw Tim Howard take four steps without bouncing the ball."
Dallas continued, "I understand that in MLS you simply need offer the referee an autographed, game-worn jersey, but in international tournaments we expect more. Hookers, jewels, and money are a good start."
ESPN analyst John Harkes said, "Carding an American for no reason whatsoever is a time-honored FIFA tradition that, like everything else in the world, began with me. Cracking."
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