NEW YORK — Mexico coach Javier Aguirre was suspended for three matches today for starting a melee during a Gold Cup match against Panama, putting him in danger of missing a World Cup qualifier against the United States.

The Mexican Football Federation was also fined $25,000 for what the CONCACAF disciplinary committee considered "serious irresponsible behavior" by the national coaching staff.

Aguirre's suspension was to start with Mexico's last group game on Sunday against Guadeloupe. He's eligible to return for the final on July 26 if Mexico qualifies.

If eliminated before the semifinals, any remaining games would be served in World Cup qualifying. Mexico's next qualifier is at home against the United States on Aug. 12.

With about 10 minutes to play in the 1-1 tie in Houston on Thursday night, Aguirre raised his leg and seemed to kick Phillips as he dribbled near the sideline. After a linesman stopped play, Phillips shoved Aguirre. Players converged in the area and several got into shoving matches.

Referee Joel Aguilar ejected Aguirre and gave a red card to Phillips as fans littered the field with cups of beer and other objects. The match was delayed for 12 minutes.

Aguirre and Phillips were sent off, and the coach apologized for his actions on Friday.

CONCACAF determined Aguirre wasn't trying to injure Phillips, but that he instigated the incident.

"The committee acknowledged that Mr. Aguirre is well known to them as a responsible person and it was their belief that this was an aberration rather than any aspect of his normal behavior," CONCACAF general secretary Chuck Blazer wrote.

The committee noted the "exemplary behavior" of Mexico goalkeeper Memo Ochoa in trying to pacify fans and help lead Phillips safely from the field.