The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 16 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Matchday 16.
STL vs SKC: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Kansas City #23 [Ethan Bartlow] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to St. Louis CITY].
Length of Review: 3:18
PRO’s opinion: When the ball comes off another part of the body, clearly changes direction, and then goes to the hand or arm, it is seen as a successful block, and it is not a handball offense unless there is a secondary action/movement. However, if the ball does not clearly change direction and continues on the same trajectory before going to the hand or arm, then it will still be a handball offense if the arm is making the body unnaturally bigger.
In this situation with Bartlow (SKC), the ball first strikes his chest; however, it is not clear if the ball was still going towards the goal, and it is possible that the defender successfully blocked the ball with his chest. Therefore, PRO would have preferred that a review was not recommended.
SEA vs POR: Direct free kick
Outcome: After review, Portland #11 [Antony] fouled Seattle #14 [Paul Rothrock] outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to Seattle Sounders].
Length of Review: 3:27
PRO’s opinion: The contact from Antony (POR) on Rothrock (SEA) happened outside the penalty area. The referee deemed the contact to be sufficient for a foul and awarded a direct free kick instead of a penalty kick.