Arena soccer player gets lifetime ban for ‘severe and violent’ conduct after cup final brawl

• Stefan Mijatovic had been on probation for past behavior

• Melee occurred in Game 1 of Milwaukee-San Diego series

• Major Arena League Soccer will investigate players, fans

San Diego Sockers defender Stefan Mijatovic has been banned for life from the Major Arena Soccer League for his “severe and violent conduct” after an altercation during the first game of the league’s championship series on Wednesday night.

The confrontation started at the final whistle of the Sockers’ 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Wave in Game 1 of the Ron Newman Cup, the trophy awarded to the champions of the MASL, the top flight of indoor soccer in the United States. Players from both sides clashed with each other, not an uncommon sight in the world of indoor soccer, which sometimes feels closer to hockey than the outdoor game.