The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 10 overview
There were four Video Reviews during Matchday 10.
TOR vs ATL: No goal (offside)
Outcome: After review, Atlanta #30 [Cayman Togashi] was in an offside position when the ball was passed to him by Atlanta United #59 [Alexey Miranchuk]. Atlanta #30 then interfered with play when he touched the ball prior to scoring a goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Toronto FC].
Length of Review: 1:50
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball was flicked on for Togashi (ATL), he was in an offside position. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.
CLB vs PHI: No foul
Outcome: After review, Columbus #17 [Sekou Bangoura] did not commit a violent conduct offense on Philadelphia #26 [Nathan Harriel].
The final decision was to rescind the yellow card to Columbus #17 for a reckless challenge.
Length of review: 2:20
PRO’s opinion: After the challenge from Harriel (PHI), Bangoura (CLB) jumped up and then landed on his opponent’s ankle. The referee issued a yellow card for
this challenge. The VAR believed that the attacker stepped down on Harriel’s ankle deliberately in an act of brutality. Bangoura appeared to be attempting to avoid contact but was unfortunately unable to do so. He did not stomp on the ankle with malice or brutality. While there was contact with the studs on the ankle, the referee decided not to issue a red card for violent conduct and to rescind the yellow card after video review.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Portland Timbers].
Length of Review: 1:45
The final decision was that the goal [for Vancouver Whitecaps] was disallowed. Play restarted with a direct free kick [to Colorado Rapids].
Length of review: 4:02
PRO’s opinion: Caicedo’s (VAN) initial shot was blocked by Lucas Herrington (COL), and the ball rebounded and hit him. He then scored, and the referee awarded a goal. The VAR determined that the ball struck Caicedo’s arm before entering the goal. The referee was correct to disallow the goal for an attacker handball after video review.
As a reminder, while this would not have been penalized if the ball struck the arm of a defender in this manner, the Laws of the Game are clear when it comes to attacker handballs: “It is an offense if a players scores in the opponents’ goal directly from their hand/arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper.”