Pittsburgh Riverhounds forward Romeo Parkes has has been dismissed by the club for kicking New York Red Bulls II's Karl Ouimette in the back during a United Soccer League game on Saturday.
Parkes, the team's leading scorer, had received a red card along with Ouimette for their part in a on-field melee late in Saturday's match. As the two men were walking off the field, Parkes landed a powerful blow to the center of the Red Bulls player's back with his right foot. Ouimette went down in a heap under the force of the kick and ultimately had to be stretchered off the field for the game to continue.
The former Jamaica international apologized for the attack via his Twitter account on Saturday night. However, early Sunday, the league suspended the 25-year-old indefinitely, and the club announced their decision to terminate his contract later in the day.
To the fans, my teams, the city of PGH, NY Red Bulls 2 and the USL, I recognized that my action was wrong and inappropriate.
- Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016
and I sincerely apologize and regret my actions. Despite the continous altercation throughout the game my further action after I was carded
- Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016
Was unwarrented and i ask for my fans, the league and my teammates as well as the New York Red Bulls to accept my sincere apology.
- Romeo Parkes (@ovando678) May 8, 2016
"I want to apologize to the fans and the Red Bulls II organization, as well as Karl Ouimette, for what transpired at the game last night," team owner Shallenberger told the club's website.
Official League Statement pic.twitter.com/4hGE0085RE
- USL (@USL) May 8, 2016
"Romeo's actions are not representative of what our organization and its Academy stands for in regards to helping promote and grow this sport in not only the Greater Allegheny area, but also nationwide.
Romeo Parkes' contract has been terminated -> https://t.co/Ls4EPruRkr
- PghRiverhounds (@PghRiverhounds) May 8, 2016
"We understand the severity of this situation and made it a point to respond as quickly as possible within our power."
Head coach Mark Steffens called the incident "an unfortunate situation."
"As I stated last night, this is an unfortunate situation and one that was embarrassing for not only myself, but also the staff and the organization." Steffens said.
"The discipline being handed out is one that we, as a staff, consider to be fair and completely justified. The actions were not representative of what this team stands for as a whole."