The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Matchday 34 overview
There were six Video Reviews during Matchday 34.
CLB vs DC: Penalty kick
Outcome: After review, Columbus #17 [Sekou Bangoura] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to D.C. United].
Length of Review: 1:18
PRO’s opinion: Bangoura (CLB) moved his left arm into the path of the ball, making himself unnaturally bigger and creating a barrier that blocked Matti Peltola’s (DC) shot. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
CLT vs ORL: Red card (offensive, insulting, or abusive language and/or actions)
Outcome: After review, Charlotte #10 [Allan Saint-Maximin] committed an offensive gesture toward an opponent.
The final decision was a red card to Charlotte #10.
Length of Review: 1:42
PRO’s opinion: Saint-Maximin (CLT) grabbed his genitalia in an offensive manner toward Wilder Cartagena (ORL). The referee was correct to issue a red card for offensive, insulting, or abusive actions after video review. It is important to note that offensive, insulting, or abusive language is outside the VAR protocol, but actions of this nature are within it.
Outcome: After review, Kansas City #15 [Jansen Miller] committed a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was a penalty kick [to FC Dallas].
Length of Review: 1:18
PRO’s opinion: As Anderson Julio (DAL) took a shot on goal, the ball struck Miller’s (SKC) raised left arm, creating a barrier and blocking it from continuing toward goal. The referee was correct to award a penalty kick after video review.
Outcome: After review, Vancouver #18 [Edier Ocampo] did not foul Seattle #5 [Nouhou] in the buildup to Vancouver #25 [Ryan Gauld] scoring a goal.
The final decision was a goal [to Vancouver Whitecaps].
Length of Review: 2:39
PRO’s opinion: During live play, the challenge between Ocampo (VAN) and Nouhou (SEA) appeared to be a normal contact between two players competing for the ball. Only in slow motion is any contact visible on Nouhou’s leg, and Ocampo may also have touched the ball. The referee maintained his original decision of a goal after video review.
Outcome: After review, no offside offense was committed by Nashville #7 [Cristian Espinoza] prior to Red Bull New York #14 [Julian Bazan] scoring an own goal.
The final decision was a goal [to Nashville].
Length of Review: 2:56
PRO’s opinion: Using the mow lines on the pitch as a guide, it was determined that Espinoza (NSH) was in an onside position. Usually, with separation across the field, it is difficult to conclude whether there is clear evidence that an attacker is in an onside or offside position, but on this occasion it was possible because the line cut between the legs of the defender on the far side, Devin Padelford (RBNY). The referee was correct to award the goal after video review.
Outcome: After review, New England #41 [Luca Langoni] was in an offside position when the ball was played to him by New England #23 [Will Sands]. New England #41 then gained an advantage when he crossed the ball prior to Miami #17 [Ian Fray] scoring an own goal.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Inter Miami].
Length of Review: 1:46
PRO’s opinion: At the moment the ball last touched Sands (NE), Langoni (NE) was in an offside position. Using the mow lines in the turf, the referee was correct to disallow the goal for the offside offense after video review.