MLS rescinds Diego Luna red card after successful RSL appeal

NEW YORK — Major League Soccer announced Tuesday it has rescinded a red card given to Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna against Toronto FC last week.

RSL used one of its two appeals this season to request a second look at the disciplinary decision by referee Sergii Demianchuk after a struggle between Luna and Toronto defender Raoul Petretta in the 61st minute at America First Field.

An "independent review panel," consisting of one representative from the U.S. Soccer Federation, one representative from the Canadian Soccer Association, and one independent representative nominated by the Professional Referee Organization, has unanimously rescinded the one-game suspension and accompanying fine for the red card.

Each club is entitled to two unsuccessful appeals per season, including the playoffs. Since RSL's appeal was successful, the club maintains its two unsuccessful appeals in the 2025 season.

Luna is eligible to play in RSL's next match in San Diego on Saturday as the team sets off on a three-game road trip over the next three weeks. The 21-year-old attacking midfielder leads RSL with three goals this season. No other player has more than a single goal in 2025.

RSL defender Alex Katranis was highly critical after the Toronto match of both the Luna red card and the officiating in general in RSL's games so far this season, going so far as to say it feels as if the team is playing "11 against 14 or 15."

"They call the referee to review his decision," Katranis said about the video review of Luna's red card against Toronto. "And you want to tell me that they review this on Diego and it's a red card? No, come on."

The league and independent review panel agreed with Katranis in the end, making the question of whether the 26-year-old Greek international deserves a fine for his strong public criticism an interesting one to watch.

RSL's road trip opener in San Diego kicks off at 5:30 p.m. MDT on Saturday.

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