Clint Dempsey suspended 3 games, fined undisclosed amount for ripping up referee's notebook

A lapse in judgment means the Seattle Sounders will be without Clint Dempsey for their next three matches.

Reacting to a red card to teammate Micheal Azira during extra time of the Sounders' 3-1 defeat to the Portland Timbers in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the 32-year-old forward took referee Daniel Radford's notebook, threw it to the turf, picked it up, and then tore it up.

Related: VIDEO - Clint Dempsey tears referee's notebook during loss

Although the incident took place outside of a Major League Soccer fixture, any alleged action by a professional player against a referee in the U.S. Open Cup is adjudicated and disciplined by MLS.

In addition to the three-match suspension, Dempsey was also fined an undisclosed amount for his conduct toward a match official.

"We do not tolerate conduct of this nature from any of our players," said MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott in a statement.

"No matter how passionate our players are or what happens in the 'heat of the moment' they must always respect all aspects of the game, especially the referees. In light of Clint's actions and our past precedents, we felt that a significant suspension was appropriate."

Dempsey will now be unavailable for the Sounders' fixtures versus the San Jose Earthquakes on June 20, the Philadelphia Union on June 24, and the Timbers on June 28. At that time, the United States Men's National Team will be preparing for the Gold Cup, which begins on July 7, meaning it could be quite some time before Dempsey is playing at CenturyLink Field again.

Of course, given the suspension and USMNT Jurgen Klinsmann's constant experimentation with younger players, there are no guarantees that Dempsey is part of Klinsmann's Gold Cup squad.