🗣 NYCFC manager Nick Cushing denies allegations of punching a player | OneFootball

NYCFC manager Nick Cushing has denied punching a Toronto FC player after a melee broke out between the two teams after the Pigeons’ 3-2 win at BMO Field on Saturday.

Speaking after the match Toronto manager John Herdman revealed that an incident occurred the last time the two sides met, in which Cushing was accused of ‘punching’ a TFC player at half-time.

“That was the off-record report that came into the dressing room at halftime from a 19-year-old who said he got cornered and punched in the face,” said Herdman.

The alleged incident, happened at halftime during the previous game between the two teams on March 16 at Yankee Stadium.

However, in response to the accusations this week, Cushing has ‘categorically’ denied the claims.

“I categorically deny any involvement or any incident where I have punched or assaulted any Toronto FC player or staff,” he said.

“I am shocked, personally. I’m upset by the allegation.”

Furthermore, Cushing claims he was not made aware of the allegations regarding the 16 March fixture in New York until after his press conference this past weekend.