Ezequiel Barco’s absence from Atlanta United’s matchday squad in Saturday’s 3-1 win over D.C. United was puzzling. The initial reason given for his omission was that it was a “coach’s decision” not to include him. Tata Martino offered very little in the way of explanation post-match, saying only that Barco had committed “an act of indiscipline” and wouldn’t play in a second straight match. It appears that act was more complicated than anticipated.
Two sources with knowledge of the situation have told Dirty South Soccer that Barco was reprimanded for making romantic overtures toward a teammate’s girlfriend.