The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 35 overview
There were three Video Review during Matchday 35.
NYC vs CLT: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Charlotte #17 [Idan Toklomati] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to New York City FC].
Length of review: 2:00
PRO’s opinion: Toklomati (CLT) attempted to block Kevin O’Toole’s (NYC) shot, and it hit his right arm, which was extended away from his body and in an unnatural position. The referee correctly awarded a penalty kick after the video review.
MTL vs RBNY: Mistaken identity
Outcome: After review, the yellow card given to New York #3 [Noah Eile] was incorrectly issued. The foul on Montréal #18 [Hennadii Synchuk] was committed by New York #26 [Tim Parker].
The final decision was the yellow card for New York #3 was rescinded and given to New York #26.
Length of review: 0:28
PRO’s opinion: As Synchuk (MTL) was about to turn, he was challenged from behind by Parker (RBNY), who tripped him. A yellow card was issued to Eile (RBNY) for stopping a promising attack. The VAR advised the referee that the tripping offense was committed by Parker (RBNY), and the referee correctly rescinded the yellow card to Eile and showed it to Parker.
As a reminder, mistaken identity is considered a factual review per the VAR protocol, which means that the referee does not need to go to the monitor. However, the referee should still show the VAR signal before changing the original on-field decision.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to D.C. United] and a yellow card to Inter Miami #11 for stopping a promising attack.
Length of Review: 3:12
PRO’s opinion: The referee determined that Rodríguez (MIA) tripped Antley (DC) outside the penalty area and awarded a direct free kick. The VAR recommended a review for a penalty kick because he believed that the point of contact was on the penalty area line. While at the RRA, the referee did not feel there was conclusive evidence that the point of contact was on the line and maintained his original decision of a direct free kick.