Gabriel Heinze suspended from Atlanta United’s match Wednesday vs. NYCFC

Atlanta United manager Gabriel Heinze will miss tomorrow’s match against MLS Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC for yellow card accumulation. Heinze has been booked three times in eight games in MLS play so far this season.

Heinze was asked about the yellow card he received in the first half of Atlanta’s 2-2 draw with the Philadelphia Union after the match. It appeared that he attempted to break up a scuffle happening in front of him between players from both teams.

“If somebody comes close to me, I like to touch that person,” Heinze explained. “In the soccer rules, I’m not allowed to do this. We should be more focused on the players, but what I can now is to say I’m sorry. The referee was right because the rules say this.”

Heinze will be replaced by one of his assistants on staff, Mariano Toedtli.

Honestly, I can’t even be mad about this. It’s equal parts hilarious and endearing. It will be even more glorious if Atlanta can manage three points in an important midweek game.