The Definitive Angle: MLS Week 30
The Definitive Angle is PRO’s analysis of the week’s Video Review use in MLS.
Week 30 overview
There were three Video Reviews during Week 30.
CLB vs NYC: No penalty kick
What happened: After review, New York #22 [Kevin O’Toole] did not commit a punishable handball offense inside the penalty area.
The final decision was no penalty. Play restarted with a corner kick [to Columbus Crew].
Length of Review: 2:07
PRO’s opinion: Rossi’s (CLB) shot at goal was blocked by O’Toole (NYC), initially by his body, and then deflected to his right arm. The referee felt that O’Toole had successfully blocked the ball with his body, and it only hit the arm because the ball changed direction. His arm was in a justifiable position for that movement. This was not a clear error in not awarding a penalty kick.
CIN vs MTL: Direct free kick (not penalty kick)
What happened: After review, Montréal #16 [Joel Waterman] fouled Cincinnati #19 [Kevin Kelsy] outside the penalty area.
The final decision was a direct free kick [to FC Cincinnati] and yellow card to Montréal #16 for stopping a promising attack.
Length of Review: 4:37
PRO’s opinion: Waterman (MTL) grabbed Kelsy’s (CIN) jersey and impeded his progress toward goal. The holding offense had finished outside the penalty area, so it was correct for the referee to change his decision to a direct free kick after review. He maintained the yellow card for stopping a promising attack because all the criteria for denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity was not met.
The final decision was offside and an indirect free kick [to Austin].
Length of Review: 2:16
Please note: These videos do not contain audio. They are a recording of the screen as viewed by the VAR in real-time.