Indoor Soccer Match Scores High in Chaos, Low in Sportsmanship
In a match that ended with more than just a scoreboard going viral, the Milwaukee Wave and the Tacoma Stars turned post-game handshakes into a full-blown wrestling match, resulting in multiple player suspensions and a crash course in anger management.
After their tight 7-6 battle, tensions boiled over as a simple handshake escalated into a full-contact chaos, leaving six players facing disciplinary action and the Tacoma team’s Stefan Mijatovic registered for an anger management course — because apparently, a little 'congratulations' was interpreted as 'let's settle this in the ring.'
The brawl erupted, unsurprisingly, when Tacoma's Stefan Mijatovic was unceremoniously shoved during the post-game handshaking ceremony. The cordial exchange of pleasantries took a left turn into the realm of grappling and shoving, proving once and for all that there’s a fine line between sportsmanship and wrestling. In what one might call a spectacular example of social etiquette gone awry, players suddenly seemed to think that a handshake was just the preface to an all-out brawl—an unexpected plot twist to the evening's sports drama.
As the dust settled, decisions were made: Mijatovic found himself suspended for four games due to both his in-game behavior and the post-game melee that would make a sumo wrestler proud. One might wonder what goes through a player's mind at that moment—perhaps he envisioned himself as the star of a sport he was violently altering. To add insult to injury, he was also hit with a monetary fine, as if the universe collectively decided that his wallet was in need of anger management as well.
In a charming twist of irony, the anger management course mandated for Mijatovic promises to be quite the educational experience. After navigating through the complexities of self-control, he will now possess a certificate of completion, which he can proudly display in his living room, just above the 7-6 victory banner he surely cherishes. Perhaps this will remind him and his teammates that it's called a 'game' for a reason—hitting the opponent should ideally remain a metaphor until the final whistle.
Mijatovic’s friends—or perhaps the lack thereof, considering the current situation—were not alone in taking part in this brawl of epic proportions. Three other players faced similar fates, as they too were suspended: Tacoma’s Roman Torres and Luis Birrueta, along with Milwaukee’s Qudus Lawal, Derek Huffman, and Tenzin Rampa. It's comforting to know that the punishment was distributed fairly, much like the popcorn at a poorly-catered sports event, ensuring everyone got a taste of the consequences of their post-game exuberance.
Now moments like this are notorious for going viral, and this was no exception. Video footage of the incident began circulating faster than one can say 'professionalism,' revealing that both teams were involved in a massive brawl at the end of the match. Because really, who wouldn't want to see players, after a fierce contest, engaging in a chaotic brawl that ensued following post-game handshakes?
MASL, the league these valiant players represent, consists of 12 teams, presumably selected based on their enthusiasm for chaos as well as their ability to kick a ball. In light of Monday night's debacle, the league's powers that be reiterated the importance of professionalism and self-discipline among players. It's unclear if they face the challenge of reminding grown men how to act like grown men when faced with victory or defeat, but apparently, the job is tougher than previously imagined.
While the Wave walked off with the victory, they might want to invest in certified peacekeeping personnel for future celebrations. As these players slink off after the incident, one can only hope post-game handshakes will revert back to their intended purpose: a simple acknowledgment of a good game played—all while keeping the wrestling uniforms at home.