Big Ten suspends Cirovski, fines Maryland

When the Maryland men's soccer team lost its second straight game Sunday at Northwestern, Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski exploded onto the field to confront the officials. It is unclear whether Cirovski thought defended Chris Odui-Arsem was fouled or that the ball had crossed the back line just prior to the Wildcats' winning goal but the coach was vehement and demonstrative in his confrontation with the officials.

Today, Cirovski received more than a technical foul from the league. The Big Ten's press release reads as follows:

The Big Ten office today announced a one-game suspension and issued a public reprimand of Maryland men's soccer head coach Sasho Cirovski. The conference office determined that Cirovski's actions toward the officials following the Northwestern game on Oct. 5 were in violation of the Big Ten Sportsmanship Policy. In addition, the conference announced that the institution has been fined $10,000 as a result of the violation. Cirovski will serve his one-game suspension tonight against VCU.

Big Ten Conference Agreement 10.01 states in part that "The Big Ten Conference expects all contests involving a member institution to be conducted without compromise to any fundamental element of sportsmanship. Such fundamental elements include integrity of the competition, civility toward all, and respect, particularly toward opponents and officials." 

The Big Ten Conference considers this matter concluded and will have no further comment.

Although the University has been fined by the Big Ten, Cirovski will bear the entire cost. Informed of the fine, Cirovski issued this statement:

"I sincerely regret my actions towards the officials following our match at Northwestern on Sunday. I would like to personally apologize to the Big Ten Conference and vow that this will not happen again."

A somewhat reeling Maryland squad will now face VCU at Ludwig Field tonight without their head coach.