Impact's Grande suspended over altercation

Montreal Impact midfielder Sandro Grande has been suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct for an altercation with teammate Mauro Biello during Saturday's loss to Minnesota.

The United Soccer League's First Division club did not indicate the length of Grande's punishment when it announced the suspension on Monday.

During Montreal's 3-0 loss to the Thunder, Grande grabbed his own captain by the throat before a free kick, a move caught by a photographer at the game.

"Sandro's gesture was unacceptable and we will take the necessary measures," Impact technical director Nick De Santis said in the club's statement.

"Even though there is no doubt that the guys have resolved this issue, such actions cannot be tolerated. As a club, we cannot accept such a reaction because they it goes against our values and philosophy."