WORLD CUP USA ’94 / THE FIRST ROUND : Spotlight : ION DOESN’T PLAY WELL WITH OTHERS

Ion Vladoiu of Romania, already banned from three games for a vicious tackle, was thrown out of the World Cup by his team Wednesday because of foul behavior on and off the field.

Vladoiu, a midfielder, will return to Romania on Friday, two days before his team plays a second-round match at the Rose Bowl, a statement from the Romanian delegation said.

Last week, FIFA, soccer’s governing body, suspended Vladoiu for three games because of a brutal tackle on a Swiss player in a first-round game. That suspension, the longest in recent World Cup history, would have sidelined Vladoiu through the quarterfinals.

But the Romanians said the tackle, which the statement described as “strong intervention with one of the opposing players,” was only one reason Vladoiu was sent home.

It also cited “bad behavior displayed by Vladoiu in front of one of the (Romanian) coaches.” The identity of the coach and details of the incident were not disclosed.

Romania was the surprise winner of Group A and will play either Italy or the third-place team from Group D in the second round.