PRO Statement: DC vs CLB

The Professional Referee Organization (PRO) acknowledges that an officiating error occurred during the 22nd minute of the match between D.C. United and Columbus Crew SC on May 4.

The Video Assistant Referee recommended a review of the Pedro Santos goal for Columbus for a possible foul by Columbus midfielder Wil Trapp on D.C. midfielder Luciano Acosta in the attacking phase of play, leading up to the goal.

The incident should not have been recommended for review by the VAR as the decision to play on was not a clear and obvious error, which is the threshold for VAR intervention. Additionally, having reviewed the incident footage, the referee, who has the final decision, should have determined that no foul had been committed in the attacking phase of play and that the original call, and therefore the goal by Santos, should have stood.

PRO evaluates the performance of every match official and takes necessary steps to continually minimize errors through rigorous testing and training protocols. Additionally, PRO holds its officials accountable and takes appropriate action in regards to future assignments.