The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 9
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 9 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 9.
NYC vs NE: No red card for serious foul play
What happened: After review, White #14 [Ian Harkes – New England Revolution] made contact with Blue #35 [Mitja Ilenic – New York City FC] on the top of the foot and not the ankle. There was not excessive force and this was not serious foul play.
The final decision was that the red card was rescinded, and a yellow card issued to White #14 for a reckless challenge.
Length of Review: 2:20
PRO’s opinion: Ilenic (NYC) got to the ball first and poked it away. Harkes (NE) was slightly late and made contact with his studs on the top of the foot of Ilenic. This was a reckless challenge and a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.
RBNY vs CHI: Red card for violent conduct
What happened: After review, Red #4 [Andres Reyes – New York Red Bulls] struck White #14 [Tobias Salquist – Chicago Fire] with his forearm with excessive force to the head while not challenging for the ball.
The final decision was a red card to Red #4 for violent conduct. The ball was not in play, so the restart is the original direct free kick.
Length of Review: 2:20
PRO’s opinion: Reyes (RBNY) moved his arm into the face of Salquist (CHI) with excessive force before the free kick was taken. This is violent conduct and a good use of the Video Review system to reach the correct outcome.
The game restarted with the original direct free kick because the offense occurred before it was taken. If the ball had been in play, it would have been a penalty kick.
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.