U.S. Soccer spokesman Michael Kammarman told the Washington Post that the Federation has shared a photograph of a bite mark on the back of Omar Gonzalez with the CONCACAF disciplinary committee.
Cameras caught El Salvador defender Henry Romero bite Jozy Altidore and pinch his nipple in the scrum prior to a corner kick in the second half of the 2-0 USA victory over El Salvador. However, Gonzalez said after the match that he was also bitten, and had the mark to prove it.
According to the Washington Post report, the CONCACAF disciplinary committee approached U.S. Soccer asking for any further information they could provide on the incidents. Thus, they shared the photograph of Gonzalez’s shoulder taken immediately after the game. There was reportedly no visible bite mark on Altidore that could be shared.
CONCACAF spokesman Brent Latham refused to confirm an investigation into the incidents.
After Gonzalez’s post-match comments, a review of footage showed that there did indeed appear to be a bite in the 81st minute by El Salvador midfielder Darwin Ceren.
Hey @JozyAltidore, why don't you and @Omar4Gonzalez see who got the worst teeth marks? https://t.co/agggC9aZ9O 👀😬😬😬
— Dan (@DLev45) July 20, 2017
Neither incident was witnessed by the referee, and thus no punishment was dished out in the form of penalties or cards. Altidore admitted he “barely” kept his composure after he was assaulted, saying, “You’ve got to keep your cool because these things happen. I shouldn’t be saying these things happen, but they do.”
Altidore joked about the incident, saying his significant other was angry at him.
Jozy Altidore had a great response to *those* events at last night's #USAvSLV match 👀 pic.twitter.com/eIZc2q5ZTt
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 20, 2017