Houston Dynamo and Mexico star Hector Herrera sees straight red for spitting at referee in MLS Playoff game vs. Seattle Sounders

In the 65th minute of their MLS Playoff game against the Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo midfielder Hector Herrera was issued a yellow card by referee Armando Villarreal. After disagreeing with the call, Herrera walked past him, turned around and spat towards the backside of the official.

After a brief VAR review, including Villareal viewing the incident on the monitor, he returned to the pitch to hand the Mexico international a straight-red card in the 66th minute. Dynamo manager Ben Olsen also saw yellow for disagreeing with the call after he was seen fuming on the sidelines towards the officiating crew.

After a regulation 1-1 draw, the Sounders won 7-6 in the ensuing penalty shootout, eliminating Houston from the postseason.

In October, Real Salt Lake defender Brayan Vera was fined and suspended by Major League Soccer after he committed a spitting offense against Minnesota United defender Michael Boxall. His suspension included two additional matches on top of the red card he saw during their contest on Oct. 3.

If Herrera sees similar consequences, he will have to abide by them through the start of the 2025 season, due to the Dynamo's 2024 campaign ending Sunday evening with a loss to Seattle. However, the Mexican midfielder's contract does expire at the end of 2024, although the Dynamo do hold a 2025 option for the 34-year-old.

This was the second-straight MLS Playoff game where the Dynamo saw straight red. In game one of their series, Panama international Adalberto Carrasquilla was sent off for a violent conduct offense against the Sounders.

The Dynamo will prepare for the 2025 MLS campaign after their season ended Sunday evening. Herrera, meanwhile, will be a topic of discussion by the club to determine if they want to pick up his contract option for next season.