D.C. United president Payne fined

Oct 24, 2008 - 10:41 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- D.C. United president Kevin Payne was fined $5,000 Friday for comments he made following a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy on September 20.

Payne was fined for inappropriate conduct directed at an official following the Galaxy's 5-2 victory.

During the match, D.C. United defender Marc Burch was sent off with a red card in the 63rd minute for a tackle on David Beckham of the Galaxy.

The fine comes two days prior to United's season finale against the Columbus Crew (16-7-6), who have already clinched the top seed in the postseason. With a win on Sunday against the league's best team, D.C. United (11-14-4) will move past New York Red Bulls (10-11-9) and secure the final playoff berth in the MLS Cup playoffs.