Major League Soccer gave out its most severe violent conduct penalty ever on Wednesday when it suspended Ricardo Clark for nine games and fined the Houston midfielder $10,000.

The Dynamo All-Star was given the penalty for kicking Carlos Ruiz during Houston's 3-0 victory over FC Dallas on the weekend.

"I have decided that it is necessary to take firm action to reflect the fact that Ricardo Clark's violent kick to Carlos Ruiz in last weekend's game against FC Dallas, while out of character, is unacceptable behavior from an MLS player," said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a written statement.

Clark will miss the club's final three regular season games and will also have to serve the penalty during the playoffs. If Houston advances to MLS Cup 2007, they will be forced to play without their All Star midfielder.

The US international will be allowed to play in any FIFA sanctioned international event such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup and international games for the United States.