Defender Rafa Marquez was left off Mexico’s roster for Friday’s exhibition game against Serbia because of a lack of discipline that led to a three-game suspension from Major League Soccer, coach Jose Manuel De La Torre said Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Marquez, a veteran of three World Cups, was ejected at the end of a New York Red Bulls’ loss to Los Angeles Galaxy in the playoffs on Oct. 30 for firing a ball at Landon Donovan. In addition to the suspension, Marquez was fined $2,250 by MLS.

“I think it’s clear, discipline is always going to be a priority in the national team,” De La Torre said. “We’ve tried to be fair to the facts and take the decisions about who to call up and who not.”

De La Torre dropped goalkeeper Jesus Corona from this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup roster after he head-butted an opponent during the semifinals of the Mexican Clausura tournament in May.

In June, eight players were suspended from the national team for six months after holding an unauthorized party in a hotel in Ecuador during preparations for the Copa America.

Marquez, who has played for Barcelona in Spain and Monaco in France, has been ejected four times for Mexico, including a red card for a head-butt on Cobi Jones during the 2-0 loss to the United States in the second round of the 2002 World Cup.

“When we call players up, we take into account everything that happens on and off the pitch, at all times, every day and everywhere,” De La Torre said. “(Marquez) has been an exemplary person, with a glorious career, but everyone can make mistakes.”

Source: AP