The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 15
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 15 overview
There were two Video Reviews during Week 15.
NYC vs PHI: Review for penalty kick (in or out) – given
What happened: Thiago Martins (NYC) challenged Julián Carranza (PHI) from behind, with the initial contact made outside the penalty area. Martins placed his hand on Carranza’s left shoulder and made contact with his left leg. The referee judged that the foul contact occurred inside the penalty area, awarded a penalty kick to Philadelphia Union, and issued a yellow card for stopping a promising attack.
The VAR analyzed the available angles, determined that the contact occurred outside the penalty area and recommended an on-field review for no penalty kick.
After Video Review, the referee maintained his original decision of penalty and yellow card.
On-field decision: Penalty kick and yellow card (stopping a promising attack).
Type of review: No penalty.
Final decision after review: No change.
Length of review: 3:15.
PRO’s Opinion: While there was still some contact as the players passed over the penalty area line, the holding had concluded outside the penalty area. The tripping offense also occurred outside the penalty area. The referee should have awarded a direct free kick and issued a red card for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity because Carranza had control of the ball and was entering the penalty area with only the goalkeeper to beat.
SKC vs POR: Review for goal (foul in APP) – not given
What happened: As Sporting Kansas City prepared to take a corner kick, Dany Rosero (SKC) pushed Evander (POR) to the ground. The referee did not identify an offense in real-time and allowed play to continue.
The consequent corner was half cleared and crossed back into the area, where Marinos Tzionis (SKC) headed the ball toward goal, and it was saved by goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic (POR). The ball fell to Dániel Sallói (SKC), who scored, and the referee awarded a goal.
The VAR analyzed the available angles and determined that there was a pushing offense in the APP, and the AVAR identified that Sallói was in an offside position when the ball was last touched by his teammate, Tzionis. The VAR recommended an on-field review for the foul in the APP.
After Video Review, the referee disallowed the goal and restarted with a direct free kick for a foul in the APP.
On-field decision: Goal.
Type of review: No goal.
Final decision after review: No goal.
Length of review: 1:35.
PRO’s Opinion: The pushing offense occurred before the ball was in play, and, therefore, was outside VAR protocol. The Video Review should have been recommended for the offside offense which was clear. The final decision to disallow the goal was correct because there was a clear and obvious offside offense in the APP.