Jones handed six-game ban for contact with MLS official

New England Revolution’s Jermaine Jones receives a second yellow card after arguing with the referee over a controversial no-call.

Jermaine Jones will serve a six-game suspension at the start of his next club season for his actions against referee Mark Geiger in the MLS Playoffs.

Jermaine Jones is facing a stint on the sidelines for running into Mark Geiger during New England’s MLS Cup play-off loss to DC United.

USA national team standout Jermaine Jones has been suspended six matches by Major League Soccer for making contact with the referee during an October playoff game.

Jones was attempting to dribble past D.C. defender Sean Franklin while in the United penalty area when the ball appeared to strike Franklin in the arm. Such a move would have the added advantage of allowing him to sit out his six matches before the United States resumes World Cup qualifying in March.

Under MLS and U.S. Soccer Federation policy, the 34-year-old midfielder is ineligible to play in any soccer competition while serving the penalty. Jones played in the Americans’ two most recent World Cup qualifiers against St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as Trinidad and Tobago.

Jones had appealed the initial ban through the Players’ Union, but after hearing the appeal MLS Commissioner Don Garber made a decision to uphold the suspension, the league’s said on its website on Friday.