Sounders' Burch banned for offensive language

NEW YORK (AP) -- MLS Commissioner Don Garber suspended Seattle Sounders defender Marc Burch for three games and fined him an undisclosed amount Saturday night for using unacceptable and offensive language toward an opponent Thursday in a playoff game against Real Salt Lake.

Garber also ordered Burch to attend diversity and sensitivity training.

Burch will sit out the two-game Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Galaxy. If the Sounders advance to the MLS Cup, he will also miss the final.

"Major League Soccer has a zero-tolerance policy in response to this type of behavior from its players or staff,'' Garber said. "While I understand and believe that Mr. Burch is remorseful, Major League Soccer is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect.''