The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 12 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Matchday 12.
ORL vs NE: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, New England #2 [Mamadou Fofana] fouled Orlando #35 [Joran Gerbet] inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty [to Orlando City].
Length of Review: 4:35
PRO’s opinion: Both Tanner Beason (NE) and Fofana (NE) attempted to clear the ball as Gerbet (ORL) looked to head it toward goal. Beason successfully cleared it; however, Fofana kicked Gerbet in the head without playing the ball. On seeing the images at the monitor the referee saw this as a foul and awarded the penalty kick after review.
HOU vs SEA: Direct free kick and red card (DOGSO)
Outcome: After review, Houston #24 [Femi Awodesu] committed a punishable handball offense outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Seattle Sounders] and a red card for Houston #24 for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
Length of review: 4:58
PRO’s opinion: The bouncing ball came off Danny Musovski’s (SEA) chest and made contact with Awodesu’s (HOU) arm. The referee awarded a penalty for a deliberate handball offense and issued a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity because he saw a movement of the arm to the ball by Awodesu.
The VAR determined that the contact with the arm occurred outside the penalty area. The referee was correct to award a direct free kick after video review and to maintain his decision to issue the red card because all four considerations for DOGSO were present. If this handball offense had not occurred, Musovski had control of the ball, was centrally located in the penalty area with only the goalkeeper in front.