The Montreal Impact have suspended midfielder Sandro Grande indefinitely for a physical altercation with team captain Mauro Biello during a weekend match.
The Impact announced the suspension Monday in a release, though the length of Grande's punishment was not disclosed.
During the Impact's 3-0 loss to the Minnesota Thunder, Grande grabbed Biello by the throat just before a free kick. His actions were caught by a photographer at the game.
"Sandro's gesture was unacceptable and we will take the necessary measures," said Impact technical director Nick De Santis.
"Even though there is no doubt that the guys have resolved this issue, such actions cannot be tolerated. As a club, we cannot accept such a reaction because it goes against our values and philosophy."
DeSantis went on to say that sports is no different from other areas of life in that violence cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
Grande, a four-year veteran of the Impact, has one assist in nine games so far this season.
- With files from The Canadian Press, montrealimpact.com -
