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Player suspended after assaulting opponent
May 8, 2016 at 12:00:00 AM GMT+1
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Karl Ouimette went to Pittsburgh in search of some playing time, and a chance to improve his standing with the New York Red Bulls. He wound up leaving Saturday's USL clash between Red Bulls II and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds on a stretcher before a visit to the hospital after a dirty attack by a disgruntled opponent.

Jamaican forward Romeo Parkes inexplicably kicked Ouimette in the back as Ouimette walked off the field after being issued a red card late in Red Bulls II 3-1 victory. Having just joined Red Bulls II on a short-term loan to earn some playing time, Ouimette received his marching orders late in a match that had grown very chippy. Little could he have suspected that Parkes would kick him in his lower back when he was trying to leave the field.

Here is video of Parkes' attack on Ouimette:

@NYRBII #PGHvNY @USL Unsportsmanlike! Parks should be suspended as long as Ouimette is injured. pic.twitter.com/XbHNUTEsBl

— carol pileggi (@pigpen813) May 8, 2016

Sources confirmed to Goal USA that Ouimette was taken to an area hospital after Saturday's match, but was cleared medically and traveled back to New York with the rest of Red Bulls II.

The ugly incident has marred what had been an outstanding run for Parkes, who had scored in five straight matches along with recently being named to Jamaica's preliminary 40-man roster for the Copa America Centenario. Now Parkes' professional future has been clouded by an ugly incident that will surely follow him for the rest of his career.

Parkes took to Twitter to apologize for his actions:

The USL wasted no time taking action, announcing in an official statement late on Saturday night that Parkes has been suspended:

We have completed our initial review of the incident and have suspended Romeo Parkes of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds immediately for his actions against Karl Ouimette of the NY Red Bulls II. The USL will immediately begin a full investigation and interview all parties involved which could result in additional disciplinary actions. Any type of behavior that is detrimental to the safety and well-being of our players will not be tolerated. We have spoken with both teams and they understand the seriousness of the situation. Fair play is paramount in the game of soccer and in the USL.

- Goal

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