The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 1
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 1 overview
There was one Video Review during Week 1.
PHI vs CLB: Review for penalty kick (handball) – not given
What happened: A shot by Kai Wagner (PHI) was blocked by Milos Degenek (CLB). The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and awarded a corner to Philadelphia Union.
When the VAR checked footage of the incident, he saw that the ball had been blocked by the right arm of Degenek, which was away from his body, making him unnaturally bigger and creating a barrier for the ball. He determined that the handball offense was inside the penalty area and recommended a review for a penalty kick.
After seeing the footage for himself at the RRA, the referee agreed and awarded a penalty kick to Philadelphia Union. A yellow card was also shown for stopping a promising attack.
On-field decision: Corner kick.
Type of review: Penalty kick.
Final decision after review: Penalty and yellow card.
Length of review: 3:24.
PRO’s Opinion: This was a good use of the Video Review system to rectify a clear and obvious error.