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Atlanta United star Josef Martinez suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team”

Atlanta United v Seattle Sounders FC SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - MAY 23: Josef Martinez #7 of Atlanta United controls the ball against the Atlanta United during the second half at Lumen Field on May 23, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

ATLANTA — Atlanta United star Josef Martinez will not be with the team for its next game on Saturday.

The team announce Wednesday that it has suspended its star player for conduct detrimental to the team. The statement did not clarify what type of conduct led to the suspension.

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“Atlanta United announced today it has suspended Josef Martinez for one game for conduct detrimental to the team. Martinez will not participate in team activity this week and will not be available for selection on Saturday against Toronto FC. He’s scheduled to re-join the team on Monday, Sept. 12.”

Channel 2 Action News first broke the story of Martinez’ suspension on Channel 2 Action News at Noon.

Martinez, who won the 2018 MVP award, is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer. He scored his team-leading eighth goal of the season in a 2-1 loss to Portland last week.

Martinez has been vocal about the direction of the team this season. In July, he called out the team after a 3-0 loss to Austin.

“This happened months ago so it’s not a surprise for us,” Martinez said. “We played like this months ago.”

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The Martinez suspension is part of a busy news week for Atlanta United.

Defender Miles Robinson was arrested over the weekend for refusing to pay for a $5 shot, according to arrest report obtained by Channel 2.

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