Jozy Altidore & Sacha Kljestan sent off amid half-time melee

Whether it’s Toronto FC or the New York Red Bulls, one Eastern Conference finalist will be missing a key player for at least the first leg.

Jozy Altidore and Sacha Kljestan were both sent off during the half-time interval of the second leg of the conference semi-final at BMO Field on Sunday. The two Americans had clashed in the first half and received yellow cards when Kljestan pushed Altidore, who fell over dramatically.

They seem to have met again in the tunnel and referee Chris Penso decided he had seen enough.

According to the announcement in the TFC media facility, Altidore and Kljestan were shown second yellow cards, which would mean they will be suspended for one match. TSN’s Kristian Jack, however, is reporting that straight red cards were shown for violent conduct, which could result in extra disciplinary action being taken by MLS.

The first half of the game was fraught with fouls, collisions and off-the-ball scuffles. Altidore and Kljestan had been at the forefront of it leading to their coming together, with Michael Bradley also booked for dissent and Tyler Adams and Sebastian Giovinco clashing.