D.C. United striker Charlie Davies was fined $1,000 by the MLS Disciplinary Committee for bringing the game into disrepute after diving to win a late penalty in D.C. United's 1-1 draw at Real Salt Lake June 18. The fine was announced late Friday afternoon.
"The MLS Disciplinary Committee ruled that Charlie Davies intentionally deceived the officials and gained an unfair advantage which directly impacted the match," MLS Executive Vice President Nelson Rodriguez said in a statement. "This type of behavior tarnishes the image of the league, is detrimental to the game, and will not be tolerated. Moving forward, all instances of behavior that serves to deceive and that directly impact the game will be subject to severe discipline, including a fine, suspension, or both."
Davies went down under a challenge by Real Salt Lake defender Chris Wingert in the 83rd minute of last Saturday's match with United trailing Real Salt Lake 1-0. Referee Terry Vaughn awarded a penalty, which Davies subsequently converted to salvage a crucial road draw for United. Television replays showed absolutely no contact between Davies and Wingert.
As is customary, Davies' fine will donated to MLS' charity arm, MLS W.O.R.K.S.