Jorge Larrionda, the Uruguayan referee who handed out three red cards in Saturday's game between the United States and Italy, was suspended for six months in 2002 by his country's soccer authorities.
Larrionda was one of five referees to be suspended for "irregularities," a decision that prevented them from officiating in local or international matches.
The suspensions reportedly were connected with accusations of corruption between members of rival unions that represent Uruguay's match officials.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=371526&cc=5901