The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 32
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 32 overview
There was one Video Review during Week 32.
CLT vs DC: Review for penalty kick (handball) – not given
What happened: A shot from Brandt Bronico (CLT) was deflected off the outstretched left leg of Donovan Pines (DC), and then it was blocked by his right hand, which was above his shoulder, inside the penalty area. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The VAR determined that Pines had made his body unnaturally bigger and that the ball had deflected onto his arm. An on-field review was recommended, and after Video Review, the referee maintained his original decision.
On-field decision: Play on.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: No change.
Length of review: 1:53.
PRO’s opinion: The referee interpreted that Pines had deliberately played the ball onto his own arm, which is one of the exceptions when considering handball offenses. However, Pines was attempting to block the shot and did not make a movement of the leg that can be considered deliberately playing the ball. A penalty kick would be the preferred outcome of this review.