Portland Timbers midfielder Andy Polo has been suspended and prohibited from all team activities pending an investigation into allegations of domestic violence made against him.
The allegations of physical and emotional abuse were made by former girlfriend Genesis Alarcon, who also is the mother of his children.
“He pulled my hair. I fell to the floor,” Alarcon said of Polo on the Peruvian television show “Magaly TV, La Firme.”
“He slapped me in the face and gave me a black eye.”
Alarcon also accused Polo of failing to provide financially for her children.
“Effective immediately, Mr. Polo is prohibited from engaging in all team activities pending the outcome of the MLS investigation,” the league said in a statement. “MLS will remain in close communication with the Timbers and the MLS Players Association throughout the process.”
Polo, 27, has recorded two goals and five assists in 62 career games (40 starts) with the Timbers.
“The Timbers are aware of the allegations of domestic violence concerning Andy Polo and have notified the league office,” the Timbers said in a statement. “Effective immediately, Polo has been suspended by the league and removed from all team activities. MLS is conducting an investigation into the matter and will remain in close communication with the Timbers and the MLS Players Association throughout the process. As this is an ongoing investigation, the Timbers will have no further comment.”
–Field Level Media